Dear CRDC,

Dear CRDC,

Black lives matter: 

The horrifying and senseless death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police has thrown the United States into a state of grief and turmoil. CRDC stands with those around the city and country who have and will continue to call out systems of racism and oppression in our society. Black lives matter. 

Click here for our list of organizations and funds to donate to and petitions to sign demanding justice for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. 

NYC primaries are right around the corner, absentee ballots have arrived, and early voting has just begun! That and much more in this week's newsletter. 

Join CRDC on Thursday, June 18th for our CRDC Virtual Pride Happy Hour with special guests, actor Anthony Rapp, President of Stonewall Democrats Brian Romero, Gays Against Guns Cathy Marino-Thomas and UFT Pride Committee Chairperson Rashad Brown. You can join us via our Facebook event link or by clicking here at 7pm. 

June 23 Election: All registered voters can vote by mail in June. Confirm your address and registration status here or by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC. Request your ballot here. Click for more info on the elections. Early voting began on Sat, June 13th. Find your poll site.

Join CRDC and other political groups next Saturday, June 20th, at 11AM for a texting event for Congressman Jerry Nadler. You can join us on this Zoom link where we will walk you through the texting process, but if you want to see a walk-through in advance, click here.

Join the HK Dems, CRDC and other political groups for this Zoom text banking session for Congressman Nadler also on Saturday, June 20th from 1-3PM.  Sign up online and join us here on Zoom.

Postcards to Michigan: (Sat 6/20 1:00-3:00): Join us as we write postcards to voters in the critical battleground state of Michigan. Registration is limited, so sign up HERE!

Volunteer: Senator Brad Hoylman is looking for volunteers to help with his re-election. Sign up here.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is looking for phone banking volunteers. Phone banking occurs everyday at 10:10 A.M., 1:00 P.M., 4:00 P.M., and 6:00 P.M., Email kendra@carolynmaloney.com for more details.

> You can click here to text for Jerry Nadler. 

> You can watch a ‘how-to-text’ video here. 

Stonewall Time Capsule Collecting; Tuesday, 6/2 - Tuesday, 6/30. Explore the exhibition Stonewall 50 at New-York Historical, then donate your photos and handwritten memories, stories, and thoughts on LGBTQ life in America. Email your donations to timecapsule@nyhistory.org, or mail them to: Kathleen O’Connor, New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West , New York NY 10024.

New York creates policing reforms. Read about all the new legislative bills that were all signed by Governor Cuomo here. Also, read his Executive Order,  New York State Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.

The New York City Council, lead by Speaker Corey Johnson, has been taking decisive legislative action through several bills aimed at police accountability and discipline. To read more about this legislation and the Council's fight to get these reforms in the budget by the end of this month, click here.

This comedian is feeding thousands of frontline healthcare workers. Click here to read about Katie Finn and the work she is doing.

NYC will pay youth $1,200 to take online courses this summer. The NeON Summer program will support youth in neighborhoods hit hard by the virus. Read about it here. 

As part of the ongoing efforts to make sure everyone stays safe and protected, Corey Johnson’s office is distributing cloth and paper face masks to the community. Please contact his office at speakerjohnson@council.nyc.gov for details on mask distribution. 

Fill out your Census! There is one thing we can all do for New York while we are stuck indoors. Fill out the form you have received in the mail, do it online at https://my2020census.gov, or over the phone by calling 844-330-2020. 

Donations of Blood are needed!!! - find a location near you.

Black Lives Matter: consider donating to a bail fund or the ACLU or any of the organizations doing great work to ensure Black Lives Matter in America. Click here for our list of organizations to donate to.

The city might be a little less glittery than usual right now, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate, show solidarity, and support the local LGBTQ+ community and organizations. Read all about it here.

That's all from us! If you need any kind of assistance, please do not hesitate and reach out to us. We are #AloneTogether and we must continue to #StayHome and follow all safety precautions. #FocusOnThePositive

Love and solidarity,

The CRDC Board

Dear CRDC,

The horrifying and senseless death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police has thrown the United States into a state of grief and turmoil.  Racism is a stain on our humanity, and good people must gather peacefully together to resist and repel it.  We must see and hear each other; and we must work together to rewrite the rules so that everyone, with no exceptions, can live without fear, care for their families, have their voices heard, and their rights respected.  

If you are looking for ways to participate and/or support, a number of organizations and resources are listed here.

"In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist.  We must be anti-racist."     - Angela Davis

------

Today, NYC will begin to open up, but what does that mean? Read about this and about other things going on locally and upcoming events, in this Newsletter. As always, whether it’s joining a Zoom meeting, filling out your census, or simply reading through our helpful resources, we hope the following will help occupy some of your time and help educate you on important local issues. Enjoy!!!

June 23 Election: All registered voters can vote by mail in June. You can confirm your address and registration status here or by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692). Click here to request your ballot. Voters should check the box "Temporary Illness" as the reason for requesting an Absentee Ballot. For more information, check out this article. If you plan on voting in person, make sure you look up your poll site first. Most of our locations have changed. Early voting begins on Sat, June 13th. To find your poll site, go here. 

*If you live in CD-12, I (Mindy Rosier-Rayburn) am asking for your vote to be a Bernie Sanders delegate to the convention. It is understood that Joe Biden is the presumptive nominee and we (delegates) will ultimately vote for him in the general election. By electing us to the Democratic National Convention, it gives us a seat at the table to be a part of the process with the democratic party. The more votes for Bernie Sanders, the more of us delegates will be able to attend, that would be committed to protecting reforms like limiting superdelegates as well as advancing platform issues such as Medicare4All, the Green New Deal, and worker rights.

Hear from David Pepper, Head of the Ohio State Democratic Party, about "Project Battleground,” to flip two Ohio Supreme Court seats to gain the majority! Wednesday, 6/10, 1:30pm EST : (On Zoom) This year, Ohio Democrats have an opportunity to flip two seats on the State Supreme Court and secure the majority, which would all but guarantee the end of gerrymandering of the statehouse and congressional maps for 2022. As one of the most gerrymandered states in the country, Ohio Democrats won 47% of the vote at the congressional level in 2018 -- but were allotted only 4 seats (out of 16) under the current maps. Fair courts would lead to fair districts, resulting in as many as 3 new Democratic seats in Ohio, and far more competitive races across the board. In 2018, Ohio Democrats won both Supreme Court races on the ballot and are well positioned to repeat these victories in 2020, as both our candidates have been ahead or tied in recent polling, and we are investing in a robust voter education effort on the importance of these races. Website: (To access, enter this password: BrunnerODonnell2020) Register for the Zoom here

Stonewall Time Capsule Collecting; Tuesday, 6/2 - Tuesday, 6/30- New-York Historical and the Generations Project are preserving LGBTQ history for the next 50 years in a time capsule to be opened at the Stonewall 100 celebration in 2069. Explore our exhibition Stonewall 50 at New-York Historical, then donate your photos and handwritten memories, stories, and thoughts on LGBTQ life in America. Email your donations to timecapsule@nyhistory.org, or mail them to: Kathleen O’Connor, New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West , New York NY 10024.

The Crime of Rhyme: Hip Hop History, Systemic Racism, and a Discussion of Rap on Trial, Tuesday, 6/16, 7:30pm: (Brooklyn Historic Society Online Event via Zoom)  “If you believe that I’m a cop killer, you believe David Bowie is an astronaut.” —Rapper Ice-T, on the persona he adopted in the song “Cop Killer.” Explore the story of opportunistic prosecutors who have looked at rap and hip hop lyrics as justifications for perpetuating the criminalization and incarceration of men of color in this discussion. Authors Erik Nielson and Andrea Dennis place case studies of rappers in which their lyrics have become evidence against them within the greater context of hip hop history in their book Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America. Join them for a conversation of this injustice, the stakes of persecuting artists, and more with Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival founder Wes Jackson. Register here: 

NYC Council Hearings: There will be legislative and budget hearings over the next few weeks. Check the hearing calendar on the Council website for upcoming meetings.

Join HK Dems, VID and CRDC, Saturday, June 13 - ALL ARE WELCOME!

BLACK LIVES MATTER (Sat 6/13 1:30-3:00 PM): We are at a historic turning point in our nation's history where the voices of millions are raised in unison and calling for justice.  As a political club we have a unique opportunity to take that momentum and turn it into real, legislative change. Congressman Nadler and the House Judiciary Committee will be holding hearings in the Capitol on Wednesday to investigate the excessive force used by the Trump Administration in their attempts to silence dissent. Here in New York State, The Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus in the legislature, along with many leaders in New York City, have put forward a package of bills to improve police transparency, collect statistics, reduce unnecessary arrests, introduce body cameras, and much more.  But your voices are essential if they are to pass in the face of entrenched opposition. We need your calls and texts to legislators to get this passed.  Join us at 1.30pm next Saturday, June 13th, to call our State and City representatives and press for real change. Sign up HERE to join us.

Black Lives Matter - take action any time: In addition to our resources located at the top of this newsletter, we have included a legislative action guide for people to follow any time, which includes call scripts, contact details, and background on the issues; this will be the basis of our action next Sat, 6/13.  

Postcards to Michigan: (Sat 6/13 1:00-3:00): Join us as we write postcards to voters in the critical battleground state of Michigan.  We'll increase turnout to voters who share our values & encourage mail-in ballots at the same time!  It’s been proven that voters who receive hand-written postcards are more likely to vote. Registration is limited, so sign up HERE!

Volunteer: Senator Brad Hoylman is looking for volunteers to help with his re-election. Sign up here. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is looking for phone banking volunteers. Phone banking occurs everyday at 10:10 A.M., 1:00 P.M., 4:00 P.M., and 6:00 P.M., Email kendra@carolynmaloney.com for more details. You can click here to text for Jerry Nadler.  You can watch a ‘how-to-text’ video here.  

Vote Blue 2020: Please consider donating to Vote Blue.  They are still looking for at least 51 contributions in order to become a multi-candidate PAC. You can donate here: https://votebluenyc.org/donate.

Sign this petition to tell the U.S. Senate to invest in public education and public services by passing the HEROES Act. To get our children back to school safely, we need the U.S. Senate to support the HEROES Act, which contains $1 trillion for state and local services like public safety, health care and education. The bill provides $100 billion for our public schools so they can prepare to reopen safely, test for illness, follow the guidance of medical experts and provide the academic, social and emotional supports all our children need to recover from this pandemic. 

What to Know for Phase 1 of Reopening in NYC: Read about it here.  “NYS requires employers to conduct employee health screening. The staff will be reminded to monitor their health closely and stay home if sick. Staff who arrive to work sick or become sick at work will be sent home immediately. Employers should relax leave policies to encourage staff to stay home until they meet the criteria for ending self-isolation. It is also essential to promote physical distancing, good hand hygiene and regular use of face coverings.”

Donations of Blood are needed!!! - find a location near you: 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Women’s Prison Association (WPA) is in need of supplies. WPA empowers women to redefine their lives in the face of injustice and incarceration.They forge pathways to freedom, safety, and independence. They offer gender-responsive services to women at any stage of contact with the criminal justice system, to help them weather crises, achieve stability, and meet longer-term goals on the way to lawful community life. Please consider making a donation. 

Citymeals on Wheels has created a COVID-19 Resource Guide for older adults. The guide contains information relating to food resources, healthcare, and housing.

All the best, 

The CRDC Board

Dear CRDC,

Here are the latest items you all can do from home. Whether it’s joining a Zoom meeting, filling out your census, or simply reading through our helpful resources, we hope the following will help occupy some of your time. #FocusOnThePositive Enjoy!!!

COVID19 on the City, State, and Federal level; Join Linda Rosenthal, Scott  Stringer, Jerry Nadler & Brian Benjamin for a virtual town hall to discuss how their offices are responding to the #COVID19 on the City, State, and Federal level on Tuesday, 5/26 at 7 pm. RSVP here:

Homelessness in the Age of Covid-19; Wednesday, 5/27 at 7pm-8pm- Hosted by Kim Moscaritolo, listen to a conversation about the homelessness crisis in New York City, and the impact of COVID-19 on one of our most vulnerable communities. Special Guests include Assembly Member Harvey Epstein and Josh Dean, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Human.NYC. Register for this event here. 

Holding Court: A Justice Conversations with AFJ and Rashad Robinson - Examining COVID-19 through a racial and economic justice lens, Wednesday, 5/27, 6pm- Across the country, millions of families, communities, and businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being named the great equalizer by many, the pandemic has disproportionately affected communities of color across the United States. It’s undeniable that the pandemic has exacerbated long standing systemic inequities across our healthcare system, environmental conditions, policing and criminal justice system, and more. Join this event for a discussion with Rashad Robinson, Executive Director of Color of Change, and leading advocates about the root causes of the racial and economic disparities of COVID-19 and how our government’s response must address them. Register here.

Stonewall Time Capsule Collecting; Tuesday, 6/2 - Tuesday, 6/30- New-York Historical and the Generations Project are preserving LGBTQ history for the next 50 years in a time capsule to be opened at the Stonewall 100 celebration in 2069. Explore our exhibition Stonewall 50 at New-York Historical, then donate your photos and handwritten memories, stories, and thoughts on LGBTQ life in America. Email your donations to timecapsule@nyhistory.org, or mail them to: Kathleen O’Connor, New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West , New York NY 10024.

NYC Council Hearings: There will be legislative and budget hearings over the next few weeks. Check the hearing calendar on the Council website for upcoming meetings.

June 23 Election: All registered voters can vote by mail in June. You can confirm your address and registration status here or by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692). Click here to request your ballot.

Our schools & our students need a lifeline!  Please text LIFELINE to 30644.  Join the fight to pass the federal HEROES Act. Save public education! 

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney has been fighting to help protect USPS. While the much-needed aid passed the House in the HEROES Act, the Senate still needs to take action. Please sign Carolyn’s petition to show strong public support to save the USPS. 

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is looking for phone banking volunteers. Phone banking occurs everyday at 10:10 A.M., 1:00 P.M., 4:00 P.M., and 6:00 P.M., Email kendra@carolynmaloney.com for more details.

Senator Brad Hoylman is looking for volunteers to help with his re-election. Sign up here. 

Tech For Campaigns - Tech volunteers are needed to assist in campaign work now, for November. Register here: 

It is absolutely vital we take appropriate safety precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19: There's more information on the risks and necessary precautions for outdoor activity in this New York Times article.

Vote Blue 2020: Please consider donating to Vote Blue.  They are still looking for at least 51 contributions in order to become a multi-candidate PAC. You can donate here: https://votebluenyc.org/donate.

Covid-19 has changed everything; You can read Governor Cuomo's full plan for re-opening here

A Group Of Alumni Come Together To Feed Front Line Workers of the COVID-19 Response: From 3D printing face shields, to participating in timely research projects, to providing community PPE and support, the #SUNYTogether initiative is going strong and shows no signs of stopping. One such effort that exemplifies the SUNY spirit is called Food for the Frontline (FFTF), and is being led by four SUNY alumni from across our system. This organization, as the name denotes, is dedicated to providing meals to healthcare professionals and other employees in hospital systems putting their lives on the line to take care of those infected with COVID-19.

With Broadway dark due to coronavirus, costumers are now producing masks for NY’ers in need

Donations of Blood are needed!!! - find a location near you: 

DOT Open Streets- The Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a website listing all Open Streets locations across New York City. Open Streets are available daily, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM for pedestrians and cyclists to use. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

New York Road Runners for Seniors at Home- New York Road Runners launched their new fitness program to accommodate seniors sheltering in place. The new online resource, NYRR Striders at Home, launched last week, and offers exercises and activities for our senior community. NYRR has developed activities for all levels and abilities, and additional exercises and supporting videos will be added in the coming weeks.

NYC families: if you child has persistent fever, rash, abdominal pain, vomiting or other symptoms, call your doctor immediately. It could be related to Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome. If you don’t have a doctor, call 311. Learn more: 

$420 Food Benefit Cards Coming To All NYC Public School Students: Read about this here.

Please follow this link to take the NYC Transit Survey. It should take less than fifteen minutes and will help the MTA plan with our needs in mind.

***

We truly hope you are all still doing the best you can. If you need any kind of assistance, please do not hesitate and reach out to us. We are #AloneTogether and we must continue to #StayHome and follow all safety precautions. #FocusOnThePositive

All the best during a difficult time, 

The CRDC Board

Dear CRDC,

This upcoming Thursday we will be holding our second Virtual Happy Hour with Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, plus other special guests. See details in the 'Upcoming Events' section. Also, check out our new Resource page on our website. The link can be found below in the 'What Else is Going On' section.

Just as a reminder, even though the weather is becoming nicer outside, it doesn’t mean you should forget about all of the safety rules we have been following for the last couple of months. Please continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. Nobody enjoys our current situation, however if we ever want things to get better, if we want NYC to open up, if we want life to go back to whatever our new normal will be, we must be mindful and considerate with everything we do. 

Here are the latest items you all can do from home. Whether it’s joining a Zoom meeting, filling out your census, or simply reading through our helpful resources, we hope the following will help occupy some of your time. #FocusOnThePositive Enjoy!!!

• This upcoming Thursday at 7pm, we will be hosting our 2nd Virtual Happy Hour meeting. We will be hearing from Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney as well as Ken Jockers, Executive Director of Hudson Guild, Darlene Waters, President, Elliott-Chelsea Houses Tenant Association,  Miguel Acevedo, President, Fulton Houses Tenant Association, and Erik Bottcher, Corey Johnson's Chief of Staff, who will be discussing what’s been going on in our community and what they have been doing about it. Please use this link to join in on this Zoom event or you can call in using this number; 1 929 436 2866 - Password: 038175 Meeting ID: 852 9935 1701
  

• COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives, but it impacts the lives of people with disabilities even more. Four Freedoms Democratic Club, in collaboration with Manhattan Young Democrats, Chelsea Reform Democratic Club, and Village Independent, will be holding a Zoom panel on May 20, 2020 at 7:00PM, which will address the types of struggles people with disabilities are facing at this time and how people without disabilities can be an ally. Our panelist will speak and take questions at the end.  To attend the event, please register here.

• NYC Council Hearings. There will be legislative and budget hearings over the next few weeks. Check the hearing calendar on the Council website for upcoming meetings.

• June 23 Election: All registered voters can vote by mail in June. You can confirm your address and registration status here or by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692). Click here to request your ballot.

• Federal appeals court judges seemed inclined during oral arguments Friday to let New York’s Democratic presidential primary proceed in June. Read about this here.

• Covid-19 has changed everything; You can read Governor Cuomo's full plan for re-opening here

• This week the City Council passed a package of bills that included legislation capping food delivery app commission fees to as little as 5% during the pandemic; preventing commercial landlords from going after COVID-impacted small business owners’ personal assets; protecting COVID-impacted small businesses from harassment; prohibiting delivery apps from charging restaurants for phone orders that didn’t take place; and suspending sidewalk cafe fees. Click here to read more

• It is absolutely vital that we take appropriate safety precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19: There's more information on the risks and necessary precautions for outdoor activity in this New York Times article.

• Congratulations to Erik Bottcher for receiving the endorsement from the United Federation of Teachers for City Council. "We are proud to endorse Erik for the City Council and know he will be an effective advocate for both District 3 and all of New York City,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. Read about it here.

• Meet the New York City Volunteers Risking Their Lives to Feed People

• With Broadway dark due to coronavirus, costumers are now producing masks for NY’ers in need 

• Fill out your Census! There is one thing we can all do for New York while we are stuck indoors. Fill out the form you have received in the mail, do it online at https://my2020census.gov, or over the phone by calling 844-330-2020. 

• Blood Donations are needed!!! - find a location near you: 

• Apply to be a contact tracer. Contact tracing is a public health project where a team of professionals trace the contacts of anyone who tests positive for COVID-19. Click this link to apply for a Contact Tracer job or to search for other jobs within this initiative. You can email covid-19jobs@FPHNYC.org for more information

• Vote Blue 2020: consider donating to Vote Blue.  They are still looking for at least 51 contributions in order to become a multi-candidate PAC. You can donate here: https://votebluenyc.org/donate.

• Check out our new Resource page. All the useful information we have posted in past Eblasts is located here. This Resource page will be updated often with the latest information. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

• NYC families: if your child has a persistent fever, rash, abdominal pain, vomiting or other symptoms, call your doctor immediately. It could be related to Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome. If you don’t have a doctor, call 311. Learn more: https://on.nyc.gov/3fHCFz4

• The following was written by a colleague who had contracted the Coronavirus. Each day he took notes, detailing his own experience in hopes it would be helpful to others. He has granted us permission to share this with you all. Thank you Brian for these helpful, "lessons learned."

We truly hope you are all still doing the best you can. If you need any kind of assistance, please do not hesitate and reach out to us. We are #AloneTogether and we must continue to #StayHome and follow all safety precautions. #FocusOnThePositive

All the best during a difficult time, 

The CRDC Board

Dear CRDC,

Today we celebrate Mother’s Day! To all the mothers and mother figures out there, we see you, we appreciate you, and we love you! Thank you all for everything you do! Let us also honor our extraordinary women by continuing to do our part to keep our neighbors and loved ones healthy and safe.

Here are the latest items you all can do from home. Whether it’s filling out your census, signing a petition, or simply reading through our helpful resources, we hope the following will help occupy some of your time. #FocusOnThePositive Enjoy!!!

Things you can do to keep active;

• • The coronavirus has changed everything; You can read Governor Cuomo's full plan for re-opening here. 
  • New Yorkers can pick up three free to-go meals: Monday-Friday at any of Meal Hubs across the city. No ID is required, and there are food options. See more information on Meal Hubs and find a location here. 
  • 3 NY youths die from syndrome possibly linked to COVID-19: Two young children and a teenager have now died in New York state from a possible complication from the coronavirus involving swollen blood vessels and heart problems, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday. Read about this and other coronavirus developments here.
  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month. COVID-19 has been a crisis for mental health, too. We cannot forget this! Remember: You are never alone. For free emotional support, consultations and referrals to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314. For free meditation and mindfulness exercises, visit headspace.com/ny.
  • If you haven’t filled out your Census yet:  There is one thing we can all do for New York while we are stuck indoors; the 2020 US Census! $650 billion in federal funds and political representation will be impacted. Fill out the form you have received in the mail, do it online at https://my2020census.gov, or over the phone by calling 844-330-2020. The Census takes less than 10 minutes to fill out. Fee free to contact us if you have any questions. 
  • Sign Up to Get out the Count from Home - Join your NOCCs (Neighborhood Organizing Census Committee): Sign up here to volunteer with your Neighborhood Organizing Census Committee (NOCC).  You’ll have the opportunity to canvass, phonebank, and text with your community to ensure that everyone is counted. #Census2020
  • Who We Are: Visualizing NYC by the Numbers: To mark the 2020 census, artists and designers demonstrate the power of numbers in helping us understand New York and New Yorkers. Explore the exhibition online.
  • Donations of Blood are needed - find a location near you: 

• Job Opportunities For Contact Tracing: NY State is working on a contact tracing initiative, which will be a crucial part of efforts to stamp out COVID-19. Contact tracing is a public health project where a team of professionals trace the contacts of anyone who tests positive for COVID-19. In doing so, they can determine who has been infected and who might be at high risk in the coming days. They are going to need an army of contact tracers to get this virus under control, and City and State government are already staffing up:

             To apply for a job with New York State:

• • Click this link to apply for a Contact Tracer job
  • Click this link to apply for a Team Supervisor job
  • Click this link to apply for a Community Support Specialist job
  • Email covid-19jobs@FPHNYC.org for more information

• • Downtown Women For Change: They created a great online calendar of ways to help: Calendar: May 2020. 
  • GVCC and Restaurants Team Up to Provide Meals for NYPD: The Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with local restaurants to provide meals for the first responders of the NYPD. The GVCC has started a fundraising effort to support our heroes in the front lines while supporting local businesses. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to buy meals from our local restaurants for our NYPD officers at the 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 13th and Midtown South Precincts. For more information about their fundraising efforts, click here.
  • Distributing Face Masks in District 3: As part of the ongoing efforts to make sure everyone stays safe and protected, Corey Johnson’s office is distributing cloth and paper face masks to the community. Please contact his office at speakerjohnson@council.nyc.gov for details on mask distribution. Additionally, the City is holding mask distribution events across the City. Click here for a list of distribution locations. 

• • Canceling Student Debt for Health Workers: On Tuesday, Carolyn Maloney introduced her Student Loan Forgiveness for Frontline Health Workers Act which would cancel student loan debt for health care workers on the front lines. “These heroes have been risking their own safety to treat patients, and this bill would remove the debt they acquired from the medical training that allows them to save lives,” Carolyn Maloney
  • How to Complete New York’s Health Care Proxy Form: Don’t’ leave yourself stranded and unprotected in this pandemic!  You don’t need an attorney to draft and execute a health care proxy if you live in New York State.  Just go to www.health.ny.gov, download the form and read the instructions—they are easy to follow.   If you are stuck or confused, email your questions to District Leader, Sylvia E. Di Pietro, at femalelitigator@yahoo.com
  • #BikeMatch: There are still hundreds of essential workers on the Transportation Alternatives waiting list, standing by to be matched with a bike. Through the #BikeMatch program,  they've been able to provide bikes to almost 200 New Yorkers, including 86 healthcare workers (read one ICU worker's story here)! Whether you have a bike or need a bike, fill out this form, and you will be matched.
  • NYC Teachers Pitch Their Own Plans for Reopening: Coronavirus has forced New York City teachers to fundamentally change how they educate students. Now they're fighting for their own vision of how and when schools should reopen. Our own club president and NYC veteren public school special education teacher, Mindy Rosier-Rayburn, was featured in this article.  
  • School buildings must be safe before they reopen: With lives in the balance, we believe that public school educators in NYC should not return to school buildings unless there are protocols and procedures in place to ensure the safety and health of the staff and students. Please sign and share this petition.
  • Food Bank of NY: The Food Bank of NY has partnered with community hubs to provide individuals with drive-thru pantry bag pick-ups, senior only distribution hours, and home deliveries. Additionally, they have organized pop-up food distributions citywide. Click here to access the Food Bank of NY’s map of soup kitchens and food pantries across NYC.
  • Pet Hotline Information and Update: The City has partnered with the ASPCA and the Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), to establish a Pet Hotline. You can call the Pet Hotline from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, 7 days a week at 1-877-204-8821.
  • Kate Spade New York Foundation and Crisis Text Line: Will provide a 24/7 emotional support service to frontline health care workers. You can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access these emotional support services.
  • Tuesday, 5/12 @ 10AM: Grassroots organization, VOCAL-NY, will join allies to demand Cuomo use his clemency power to save lives during COVID19 crisis in state prisons. RSVP for ZOOM. 
  • Council Hearings: The NYC Council has been working remotely. There will be legislative and budget hearings over the next few weeks. Click here for a full list of hearings and check the hearing calendar on the Council website for upcoming meetings.
  • Vote Blue 2020: If you have some money but not the time, please consider donating to Vote Blue. There is no minimum donation, even $1 would be good! They are still looking for at least 51 contributions in order to become a multi-candidate PAC.   You can donate here: https://votebluenyc.org/donate.
  • Expand Voting Access During COVID-19: “Congress must address COVID-19's impact on the 2020 elections by passing a relief package that requires states to provide no-excuse absentee voting and expanded early voting. As we all fight to contain COVID-19, our democracy must be fully functioning – that means safeguarding our right to vote. No one must be forced to choose between their health and participating in our democracy.” Via the ACLU, send your message here.

  • Bringing the Zoos and Aquarium to you: Take a look at what's happening at our local zoos and aquarium while they are closed. They've picked some of the can't miss moments for you to enjoy!

  • Something to make you smile…Google Just Revealed the Top-Searched Recipes in Every State: In case you're tired of baking banana bread... here's what everyone is cooking these days.

  • Something else to make you smile…Senior Planet is offering online resources to seniors on a wide range of topics, including online bill paying, online chess for beginners, and morning stretching. Additionally, they have created a COVID-19 Resource Page where individuals can access information regarding tech basics, health and wellness, and how to stay connected to friends and families during this pandemic.

  • Thank you to Miguel Acevedo at Fulton Houses, for all the work he’s been doing for our community!!!

In The News: 

• June 23 Election: Last month, Governor Cuomo issued an executive order mandating that the State Board of Elections automatically mail all registered voters postage-paid applications for an absentee ballot. You can confirm your address and registration status here or by calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692). Click here to request your ballot. Then enter your name, address, and date of birth, and check the box for “temporary illness” to show the coronavirus is the reason you’re applying to vote by mail.
• Speaking of June 23rd: The New York Democratic presidential primary must take place June 23 because canceling it would be unconstitutional and deprive withdrawn presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Andrew Yang of proper representation at the Democratic convention, a judge ruled Tuesday. Then two days later, Attorney General Letitia James filed an appeal. Stay tuned!

Additional Resources:

Mental Health and Addiction-

• NYS Mental Health Hotline: 1-844-863-9314
• ThriveNYC: 1-888-NYC-Well; online resource guide
• WELL Seniors: 1-212-AGING-NYC
• Veterans: 1-800-273-8255
• Alcoholics Anonymous: Virtual AA Meetings 
• Narcotics Anonymous: Virtual NA Meetings 
• The Samaritans of New York: To receive a Mental Health Wellness Support call, dial (212) 673-3661 and leave a message with how to reach you so Samaritans can call you back the following day at your convenience.

Domestic Violence-

• NYC Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE
• NYS Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
• Her Justice Legal Help Line: Call 1-718-562-8181 on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to speak with a legal representative.

NYC Department of Education Resources:

• The NYC Department of Education has a hub on its website for remote learning information and resources. Check it out >> 
• New York City has opened Regional Enrichment Centers for children of frontline workers who must still be able to attend work in-person. The children will be provided with three hot meals; remote learning time with their teachers; and art, music, and physical education activities; along with emotional and social supports. Click here for more information and to see if your child is eligible to enroll >> 
• Click here to access NYC Department of Education Supplemental Remote Learning Resources for Early Childhood Learning 
• Click here to access NYC Department of Education Supplemental Remote Learning Resources for Discover From Home enrichment resources  
• Click here to access NYC Department of Education Supplemental Remote Learning Resources for different academic subjects 

COVID-19-

• For updates from NYC in English, text ’COVID’ to 692-692.
• For updates from NYC in Spanish, text ‘COVIDESP’ to 692-692.

Temporary Hotel Rooms for COVID-19 Patients and Family- 

• NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) are making hotel rooms available for New Yorkers who may need to self-isolate because they have COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms, but their homes do not allow for them to stay six feet away from others, or they live with someone who is vulnerable. View more information here.

Telemedicine for Vulnerable New Yorkers: 

• NYC has set up a free Phone-A-Clinician and Tele-Visits to ensure the hardest hit communities have more options when it comes to health care.  Call 844-NYC-4NYC for COVID-19 related medical concerns.

We truly hope you are all still doing the best you can. Times are really difficult right now and I assure you, we will get through this together!!! If you need any kind of assistance, please do not hesitate and reach out to us. We truly are #AloneTogether and we must continue to #StayHome and follow all safety precautions. #FocusOnThePositive

Best, 

Mindy Rosier-Rayburn

CRDC President

The folowing was written by a dear friend who had contracted the Coronavirus. Each day he took notes, detailing his own experience in hopes it would be helpful to others. He has granted me permission to share this with you all. Thank you Brian for these helpful, "lessons learned."

-Freedom day! (And I feel really good!) Finally out of the basement after 26 days, and I wanted to share some “lessons learned” from my experience, in hopes that they may help someone out there. 

1 – Quarantine as soon as possible. When my first fever kicked in, I practically ran to the basement to get away from my family. We talked by calling or texting each other. They left my food on the stairs. Those types of precautions all made a difference.

2 – The experience will be unique to you. All of my friends & colleagues who are dealing with this virus are having different experiences & symptoms, and it’s lasting different lengths of time for each of them. For some, the breathing and coughing issues came on almost immediately. I experienced some of that, but for me, it was relentless fevers – 13 days of them, escalating from low 99.5 temps the first few days to 102-103 by day 10. It left me feeling like I had fallen down a flight of stairs and then run over by a bus. 

3 – Electrolytes are key. I drank only water for the first 10 days, and between the fevers and other stuff I was going through, it left me really, really weak. When I went to the hospital, the doctor told me to switch to Gatorade and ginger ale to help get my strength back. Total gamechanger.

4 – Tylenol is preferred, and take it often. I started off taking Motrin, which is what I could find when I first went into the basement. That did the trick for the first 3-4 days, but as the fevers got higher, they stopped responding to it. Tylenol was the only thing that would work, plus the CDC changed its guidance to say Tylenol was the way to go. I was told to take it every 4-6 hours, regardless of whether or not I had a fever. 

5 – Vitamins. I took one every day. Huge help, especially because didn’t have much appetite during the worst of it. 

6 – Crazy dreams. The fevers cause some serious hallucinations/dreams. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Seriously, this is a ‘thing’ with this virus.

7 – Breathing exercises help. When I started feeling tightness in my chest, a friend suggested that while I watch TV, that I should use every commercial break as a chance to stand up, walk around, and consciously take deep breaths and hold them a few seconds at a time. I did it, and I think it worked for me – the symptoms did not progress.

8 – Don’t sleep on your back. You don’t want that pressure on your lungs. You also want to sit upright as much as possible, as opposed to laying down. I even slept sitting up at times.

9 – Contact your doctor in the first few days. Just get your ‘case’ on his/her radar. I followed all the early guidance and tried to deal with this on my own by staying home & self-treating, but by day 10, I was a complete mess.

10 – Keep a log. I wrote down notes each day about my fevers, what I took and when, and the other symptoms I was experiencing. That was a useful document to have when I went to the hospital.

11 – Quarantine for two weeks after your last symptoms. The early guidance I got was 72 hours, but that seemed very, very premature. I was in no condition to be around anyone, even after 4-5 days. The two weeks was really key for my recovery --- And even today, I still feel drained/tired. Plus - I keep hearing about people who are going back to work too soon and relapsing. 

12 – Please please please help others. Having some amazing friends check in on me via text every day helped immensely, and I couldn’t have gotten through this without their support. Please check in on your friends & colleagues, and be there for them.

13 – Give plasma. Once you’ve been symptom-free for four weeks, you can give plasma. Apparently, they can not only use your plasma as part of research studies, but they can also give it to patients in the hospital. I can’t wait to do it. Hopefully, I can do it a few times.

I hope these ‘lessons learned’ are helpful to someone out there. No joke, this was a scary & emotional experience. It hit me so hard that most of the time, I was too tired and out of it to even hold the phone or respond to a text. The isolation & uncertainty also took a toll. It was hard to know what to do, especially since the guidance seemed to change from day to day. Couple that with the fact that not a day went by when I didn’t hear about someone I knew who passed away, or about a friend or colleague who lost their mom or dad, etc – You start going to dark places in your head.

All that said, I’m out and I feel really good! It’s been quite the experience, but thanks to all the amazing support I received, everything worked out & I’m back working and doing my thing. I’m thankful for all of my family & friends who helped get me through it. I can’t thank you guys enough!! Love to you all...

Dear CRDC,

Last Thursday, we held our very first CRDC Virtual Happy Hour! Thank you to all who clicked in. We were joined not only by Speaker Corey Johnson, but also Senator Brad Hoylman, Assemblyman Dick Gottfried, and Councilwoman Carlina Rivera who all gave us some of the latest updates and answered questions.

Here are the latest items you all can do from home. Whether it’s filling out your census, signing a petition, writing postcards, or simply taking some virtual tours, we hope the following will help occupy some of your time. Enjoy!!!

Things you can do to keep active;

• • If you haven’t filled out your Census yet:  There is one thing we can all do for New York while we are stuck indoors; the 2020 US Census! $650 billion in federal funds and political representation will be impacted. Fill out the form you have received in the mail, do it online at https://my2020census.gov, or over the phone by calling 844-330-2020. The Census takes less than 10 minutes to fill out. Fee free to contact us if you have any questions.
  • Census - Text Out:  Sign up here to remind people to fill out the Census.
  • School buildings must be safe before they reopen: With lives in the balance, we believe that public school educators in NYC should not return to school buildings unless there are protocols and procedures in place to ensure the safety and health of the staff and students. NYS and NYC will need the federal government’s support in providing additional funding, to help us achieve testing capacity to ensure the supply chains are in place, so that we can achieve what’s necessary in order to reopen our schools safely. Please sign and share this petition.
  • A project is being organized for CRDC members to reach voters in congressional districts, (Staten Island, Westchester County Long Island, & New Jersey) --won in 2018 and are marginal. Districts in. We will send postcards or texts ---to reach these voters. This can be done at home. Contact Charles Bayor --bayor10001@gmail.com for more information.
  • How to Complete New York’s Health Care Proxy Form: Don’t’ leave yourself stranded and unprotected in this pandemic! You don’t need an attorney to draft and execute a health care proxy if you live in New York State. Just go to                        www.health.ny.gov, download the form and read the instructions—they are easy to follow. If you are stuck or confused, email your questions to District Leader, Sylvia E. Di Pietro, at femalelitigator@yahoo.com

• • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans.  For small business loans, the best way to proceed with this program is to fill out the application online and then contact your banker for help.  If you continue to get nowhere, e-mail Sylvia Di Pietro at femalelitigator@yahoo.com and she will coordinate for you to speak to someone in Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney’s office for help.
  • Resources for People With Disabilities; The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities has launched a web page to inform New Yorkers with disabilities      about COVID-19. There is information about food and supplies, social security benefits, home health care providers, and more.
  • Take a Tour: Do you love the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo? Click on this link to take a tour of all of these places.
  • Something to make you smile...Argentina is famous for many things. Think natural sights like the Andes and Iguazú Falls, or the cultural obsession with football and tango. But you may not know that Argentina also boasts a striking architectural landscape influenced by the traditions of indigenous groups and European settlers. Here are some unusual homes that you can find and visit on a tour around the world’s eighth largest country. 
  • Something else to make you smile...Like the good old-fashioned American road trip, slow and steady train journeys may very well make a comeback in a post-coronavirus world, and whether you're on a journey through the countryside or a mountainous cross-country trek, they’re also the easiest way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the States. Here are 12 of the best rides in the nation.

We truly hope you are all still doing the best you can. Times are really difficult right now and I assure you, we will get through this together!!! If you need any kind of assistance, please do not hesitate and reach out to us. We truly are #AloneTogether and we must continue to #StayHome and follow all safety precautions. 

Best, 

Mindy Rosier-Rayburn

CRDC President

Dear CRDC,

This Thursday, we will be holding our very first CRDC Virtual Happy Hour at 7pm and everyone is invited to join in. Plus we will have a special guest speaker! See details below.

We truly hope you are all still doing the best you can. Times are really difficult right now and I assure you, we will get through this together!!! If you need any kind of assistance, please do not hesitate and reach out to us. We truly are #AloneTogether and we must continue to #StayHome and follow all safety precautions. 

Things you can do to keep active;

• • Join us for a virtual meeting on Zoom on April 23rd : Everyone is invited to join us on Thursday for our first Virtual Happy Hour! Whether you drink, coffee, tea, water, or wine, bring your favorite beverage to our Happy Hour and hear from our fellow exec members as well as special guest Corey Johnson who will discuss the latest developments and answer questions. Hope to see you all on Thursday!!! Here is the online link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81503211799 OR you can call in using this number; 1-929-436-2866 ID: 815 0321 1799
  • Find out how you can help New Yorkers affected by COVID-19 and how you can receive COVID-19-related assistance: NYC.gov/helpnownyc  
  • Hip Hop Public Health: 20 Seconds or More was created by Hip Hop Public Health to empower youth and families with the right information, tools and resources to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Watch the music video to learn proper handwashing techniques, safety protocols and what to do if you have symptoms. 
  • Home Delivered Meals for Seniors: NYC is assisting New Yorkers by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves. Call 311 OR go to NYC.gov/GetFood 
  • If you haven’t filled out your Census yet:  There is one thing we can all do for New York while we are stuck indoors; the 2020 US Census! $650 billion in federal funds and political representation will be impacted. Fill out the form you have received in the mail, do it online at https://my2020census.gov, or over the phone by calling 844-330-2020. The Census takes less than 10 minutes to fill out. Fee free to contact us if you have any questions. 
  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans.  For small business loans, the best way to proceed with this program is to fill out the application online and then contact your banker for help.  If you continue to get nowhere, e-mail Sylvia Di Pietro at femalelitigator@yahoo.com and she will coordinate for you to speak to someone in Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney’s office for help.
  • New York City #BikeMatch: Have a bike? Need a bike? In NYC, bicycles are essential transportation for many who need to get around during the coronavirus outbreak. This might include traveling to essential jobs, running crucial errands, or participating in mutual aid for vulnerable people who cannot leave their homes.  Transportation Alternatives is connecting New Yorkers who have an extra bicycle to New Yorkers who need one. Whether you have a bike or need a bike, fill out the form and you will be matched. CRDC President, Mindy Rosier-Rayburn participated in the #BikeMatch program and her recipient loved the bike!
  • Neighborhood Check-In Initiative; With many New Yorkers isolated and distant from loved ones, it's more important to check in on our neighbors. Senator Brad Hoylman's office is conducting an ongoing initiative called Neighborhood Check-In. Sign-up if you’d like to help. 
  • Resources for People With Disabilities; The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities has launched a web page to inform New Yorkers with disabilities      about COVID-19. There is information about food and supplies, social security benefits, home health care providers, and more.
  • Something to make you smile... To help pass the time, and lift your spirits, USA TODAY (and a few helpers) assembled a list of 100 songs that are either fun, catchy or upbeat and will — we hope — make you smile and ease your worries, at least for a few minutes. They're a mix of currents and retro hits from all genres, presented in no particular order. 
  • Read the most recent tribute to Judy Richheimer written by our own Donathan Salkaln. Judy was a former CRDC President and a staple of our club and our community for decades. She passed away from the Coronavirus recently.        Judy Richheimer: Feline Adventurer

Once again, if you need any help during this crisis, please reach out to me. We will get through this!!! 

Best, 

Mindy Rosier-Rayburn

CRDC President

Dear CRDC,

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend. Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, may you have the continued love and support from friends, families, and neighbors through these extremely difficult times. We will get through this together!!! If you need any kind of assistance, please do not hesitate and reach out to us. We do all have each other, albeit online or a phone call away. We truly are #AloneTogether and we must continue to #StayHome and follow all safety precautions. 

Things you can do to keep active;

• Find out how you can help New Yorkers affected by COVID-19 and how you can receive COVID-19-related assistance: NYC.gov/helpnownyc
• Stay up to date on COVID-19 information, resources, daily life & coping: https://www.cdc.gov/ 
• Home Delivered Meals for Seniors; The Department for the Aging (DFTA)-funded Home Delivered Meals Programs continues to operate for existing clients only. If you are a registered member of a senior center, you may be able to get direct meal delivery instead. To learn more, go to the Senior Centers page. If you do not receive home delivered meals and are not already enrolled at a senior center, you can get information about emergency food and the GetFoodNYC delivery program on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Support page.
• Join us for a virtual meeting on Zoom on April 23rd at 7pm for our General Meeting. We will hear from Speaker Corey Johnson who will give us the latest updates on the Coronavirus and beyond. Stay tuned for a link to sign up with. Everyone is welcome to join us.
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans.  For small business loans, the best way to proceed with this program is to fill out the application online and then contact your banker for help.  If you continue to get nowhere, e-mail Sylvia Di Pietro at femalelitigator@yahoo.com and she will coordinate for you to speak to someone in Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney’s office for help.
• New York City #BikeMatch: Have a bike? Need a bike? In NYC, bicycles are essential transportation for many who need to get around during the coronavirus outbreak. This might include traveling to essential jobs, running crucial errands, or participating in mutual aid for vulnerable people who cannot leave their homes.  Transportation Alternatives is connecting New Yorkers who have an extra bicycle to New Yorkers who need one. Whether you have a bike or need a bike, fill out the form and you will be matched. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVT_3C2fXGwG286jckm4OuTSTGTGy0p_iJWUXRWPKs6-Pgng/viewform

 CRDC President, Mindy Rosier-Rayburn participated in @TransAlt #BikeMatch program.  Berman loved his new bike!     

 See our Tweet here; https://twitter.com/CRDCNYC/status/1247276563432947718

• If you haven’t filled out your Census yet, you can do so here ----> www.my2020census.gov Takes less than 10 minutes to fill out. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
• Neighborhood Check-In Initiative; With many New Yorkers isolated and distant from loved ones, it's more important to check in on our neighbors. Senator Brad Hoylman's office is conducting an ongoing initiative called Neighborhood Check-In. Sign-up if you’d like to help. 
• Resources for People With Disabilities; The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities has launched a web page to inform New Yorkers with disabilities about COVID-19. There is information about food and supplies, social security benefits, home health care providers, and more.
• Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday that he will use his executive authority to allow all New Yorkers to vote by absentee ballot for the June 23 elections, to prevent long lines at the polls that could put people at risk of being exposed to the coronavirus. Elections that day will include party primaries for many seats and special elections open to all voters within the relevant districts. Read about it here.
• Virtual Town Hall: Know Your Rights: On Tuesday, April 14th at 6pm-7:30, register now  to hear topics  including resources for immigrant communities during this health crisis and the Public Charge Rule; NYC workplace laws; emergency rule making price gouging illegal; financial counseling; human rights laws; and updates on COVID-19.
• Something to make you smile...   https://www.facebook.com/mythoughtsaboutstuff/videos/700082074063440
• CRDC’s Awards Brunch has been postponed.  We are hoping for a June date, and are working towards that. We will keep you updated. Everything at the moment is fluid.

• Read these two  beautiful tributes to Judy Richheimer, former CRDC President and a staple of our club and our community for decades. She passed away from the Coronovirus recently: Chelsea News and NY1 

Once again, if you need any help during this crisis, please reach out to me. We will get through this!!!

Best, 

Mindy Rosier-Rayburn

CRDC President