DEC REMINDS VISITORS TO FOCUS ON SAFETY AS SUMMER HIKING SEASON BEGINS

 

Being Prepared Before Heading Out Is the Best Way to Ensure Arriving Home Safely

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded visitors to New York's outdoor spaces to focus on safety before they head out to their outdoor adventures in the state's wild and beautiful destinations. Ahead of this summer’s recreational season, DEC continues to advance actions to promote public safety and improve visitor experience.   

"Recreating safely and responsibly starts with planning ahead before visiting the Adirondacks, Catskills, and any of New York’s wild places," Commissioner Seggos said. "Preparing for potential dangers and changing weather conditions and knowing your limits before hiking into the back country can mean the difference between life and death. To protect yourself and others, I’m encouraging outdoor adventurers to make plan ahead and make smart decisions to prevent accidents before they occur."

Visitation to State Forest Preserve lands is typically highest during the summer months. In partnership with State agencies, local municipalities, and private entities, DEC is working to protect public safety, improve the visitor experience during the busy season, and safeguard sensitive ecosystems. Using recommendations outlined by the High Peaks Strategic Planning Advisory Group (HPAG) and Catskills Strategic Planning Advisory Group (CAG), as well as input from local and community partners and outdoors enthusiasts, New York State continues to implement new strategies and adaptively manage the ongoing safety and resource needs of both Forest Preserve regions. For more information, go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/125418.html and https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/125363.html

Be Prepared 

Wear proper gear and attire, including sturdy, comfortable boots. 

• Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics that keep your skin dry and help regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm weather - avoid cotton as it holds moisture; 
• Layered clothing is recommended even for summer hikes;
• Light-colored clothing, which will make it easier to see ticks 
• Waterproof, sturdy, and comfortable shoes or boots (no flip-flops);
• A watch or other time-keeping device; 
• Trekking poles will reduce leg fatigue and joint pain; and 
• Snowshoes and traction devices in the winter. 
  

Hikers and others heading outdoors should always let someone know where they are going, when they plan to return, and should provide updates if there are any changes to the plan. Anyone heading out needs to be realistic about their fitness and skill level and not overestimate their abilities or underestimate the weather conditions. 

10 Hiking Essentials 

Carry these essentials in a day pack on all hikes for a safe and enjoyable experience. 

NAVIGATION 

• Map 
• Compass 
• GPS system 
• Extra batteries 
  

INSULATION/RAIN GEAR 

• Waterproof/windproof jacket 
• Hat 
• Gloves 
• Thermal undergarments (pack extra) 
• Wool socks (pack extra) 
• Goggles - Winter 
• Face mask - Winter 
  

LIGHT 

• Headlamp 
• Flashlight 
• Lanterns 
• Extra batteries
  

FIRST AID SUPPLIES 

• Use a pre-made kit or build your own 
  

EMERGENCY KIT 

• Whistle 
• Signal mirror 
• Duct tape 
• Pocket knife/multi-tool, etc. 
• Bright colored cloth 
  

FIRE 

• Matches in waterproof container 
• Lighter 
• Fire starters 
  

NUTRITION 

• Choose high protein and high calorie items 
• Pack extra food 
  

WATER 

• Pack at least 2 liters per person 
• Carry more than you think you will need 
• Water filtration or purifying system 
  

SUN and INSECT PROTECTION 

• Sunglasses 
• Sunscreen 
• Hat 
• Bug Repellent 
• Bug Net 
  

EMERGENCY SHELTER 

• Tent 
• Space Blanket 
• Tarp 

Those planning a trip should consider going with at least one other person. Hiking alone can be dangerous. Also monitor trail conditions before your arrival and during your hike. Trail condition resources include: Adirondacks area; Catskills area; Finger Lakes area. These and many more hiking safety tips are on the DEC’s Hike Smart website.

New Yorkers are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands all year by practicing Leave No Trace principles and by recreating safely, sustainably, and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level. For more information: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/119881.html.

Another New Campaign Manager for Alessandra Biaggi

Hey team — it’s Ana, Alessandra’s Campaign Manager.

I had to make a very difficult decision yesterday after our Friday budget meeting.

Since we launched our campaign on Tuesday, it’s become clear that in order to keep growing our coalition of supporters across the progressive movement and win, we already need to scale up our investments in digital advertising and organizing.

The money wasn’t in our May budget — but I gave the green light anyway.

I know it was a risk. But with a primary as quick as this one (just 87 days away!), it’s these kinds of decisions in the early stages that make a huge difference down the road.

I made a bet that if I asked, our grassroots movement would step up and help us, for Alessandra, for our team, for the 17th district, and for everyone who believes that Sean Patrick Maloney does not deserve his seat in Congress.

Of the many things that makes our campaign stand out against our opponent’s, it’s the grassroots that I’m most proud of. I’m confident that if we continue standing together and keep up this hard work, we’re going to win.

Thank you in advance.

- Ana

Ana Hall

Campaign Manager 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MAY 27, 2022

 

Statewide 7-Day Average Case Rate Has Declined Over Last Consecutive Ten Days

Cases Continue to Trend Down Across All Regions Compared to Previous Week

Statewide Hospital Admissions Trending Down

In Preparation for Memorial Day Weekend, Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment

HERDS Data Collection from Health Care Facilities Will be Paused from May 28 to May 30 and Will Resume on Tuesday (May 31), Following the Holiday Weekend

23 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"As New Yorkers travel to spend Memorial Day weekend with friends and family, it is important that we don't let our guard down and continue to use the tools we have available to us to stay safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness is to get vaccinated and keep up to date with your booster doses. If you are experiencing symptoms, get tested, and if you test positive talk to your doctor about available treatments."  

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the holiday, HERDS data collection from health care facilities will be paused from Saturday, May 28 to Monday, May 30. Data from Friday, May 27 will be reported on Tuesday, May 31. Further, four days of cumulative data—from May 28 to June 1—will be reported on Wednesday, June 1. As a result, some data may appear higher than recent trends.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:   

• Cases Per 100k - 43.72
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 41.41
• Test Results Reported - 125,007
• Total Positive - 8,543
• Percent Positive - 6.49%**  
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 7.37%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,483 (-35)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 435
• Patients in ICU - 234 (-9)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 95 (+4)
• Total Discharges - 306,278 (+437)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 23
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 56,027

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.  

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.    

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.  

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 71,497

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.      

• Total vaccine doses administered - 38,873,724
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 25,095
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 111,967
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.5%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 84.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 87.4%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 83.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 73.5%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 82.1%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 74.4%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.6%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 77.4%   

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:      

Borough	Tuesday, May 24, 2022	Wednesday, May 25, 2022	Thursday, May 26, 2022
Bronx	4.55%	4.30%	4.27%
Kings	6.46%	6.28%	6.00%
New York	6.79%	6.74%	6.62%
Queens	6.70%	6.48%	6.30%
Richmond	7.63%	7.50%	7.20%

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

 

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Mayor Adams Releases Street Vendor Advisory Board Report New, New York, New York Blue Ribbon Panel Formed Get a helping hand & provide opportunities for Bronx youth with available internship programs New York City BIDs on 2024 Democratic Convention New York City Council State of the City and Budget Negotiations Upcoming Events

Street Vendor Advisory Board Report Released

Mayor Eric Adams announced the release of the report by the Street Vendor Advisory Board (SVAB). As a borough-wide economic development organization, one of our primary goals is to support continued investment from both commercial and residential interests in our neighborhoods. The report recommends common-sense changes to laws that will make life and business easier for street vendors. However, there are some recommendations in the report that raise complicated issues and require careful consideration to ensure there aren’t negative impacts on our city’s streetscape. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and our Legislative Committee have worked for several years on bringing challenges of street vending to light and will continue to address concerns.

New, New York, New York Blue Ribbon Panel Formed

Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams announced the “‘New’ New York blue-ribbon panel” — tasked with providing recommendations on policies to promote the five borough’s bounce back from the pandemic-driven economic slowdown. The panel will be helmed by Robin Hood CEO Richard Buery and Dan Doctoroff, a top economic development official for former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The body’s work will “focus on how and where people work as well as the mix and use of space in key employment centers, with a goal of minimizing vacancy, catalyzing vibrancy, and bolstering the tax base,” according to a Tuesday morning joint press release from the pair of chief executives.

Bronx Chamber & NYC Leaders Support Hosting the 2024 Democratic Convention Work with Mayor Adams to Address Quality of Life Matters

Yesterday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, met with key business leaders to discuss short and long term plans to address violence, quality of life matters, creating stronger central commercial districts, and our City's economic recovery. In addition, business leaders, including the Chambers of Commerce, business improvement districts, and private sector employers gathered to support New York City's bid to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The Convention stands to generate over $350 million in economic development for the City of New York and includes a five borough plan for convention delegates.

New York City Council State of the City Address City Budget Negotiations Continue

Earlier this week, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and the Chair of our Legislative Committee attended the State of the City Address delivered by New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams at York College in Queens. The address outlined her vision to expand health and opportunity to improve public safety and recover from the pandemic. Speaker Adams focused on the City’s inequities exacerbated by the pandemic that leave many communities, particularly in Black and brown communities and among the city’s working-class neighborhoods, without access to health and well-being. The Speaker noted key investments the City must make in the forthcoming budget, as well as several legislative and policy proposals to address major challenges facing New York City.  The full text of the speech can be accessed here. In addition to being committed to fighting for business funding in the City Budget, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee delivered testimony during the New York City Council budget hearing for FY23.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Leads Community Day of Action at Graham Triangle in the South Bronx

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, joined Third Avenue Business Improvement District in leading efforts to revitalize the South Bronx's historic Graham Triangle at 138th Street and Third Avenue. As part of the Mott Haven AvenueNYC Program, the Chamber seeks to build coalitions and support grassroots community volunteerism to organize residents, merchants, and property owners. During the Community Day of Action: trees & shrubs were trimmed, the War Memorial cleaned, benches repaired & painted, tree beds weeded, and the area was freshly mulched.

NYC Summer Restaurant Week

Bronx restaurants, don’t miss out! NYC Summer Restaurant Week is coming up July 21 - August 21. Click Here to Sign Up by May 31! Participation is free, thanks to generous funding from the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment.

Bronx Chamber Signature Event

Tuesday June 21 (all day event) Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, Bronx NY Bronx Chamber Annual Golf Outing - Signature Event Join us for fun, networking and fundraising at this can't-miss Bronx Chamber Signature Event! This year we will honor Michael Gilfeather, President & CEO of Orange Bank and Trust Co. Click HERE for Sponsorship packages, foursome, & dinner ticket details, and to register by May 31st! For more information, email dolores@bronxchamber.org

More Upcoming Events

MTA Penn Access Job Fair Tuesday, June 7, 3:00 - 7:00pm Residence Inn Bronx Atrium at the Hutch Metro Center 1776 Eastchester Road Bronx, NY 10461

Wednesday, June 8 at 10am, The MTA Department of Diversity and Civil Rights will host a virtual MTA DBE Certification workshop.   To register for the this workshop – please send an email to DBEcertification@mtahq.org and include participant name, company name and contact information.  After registering, you will receive a separate email confirming your attendance and the workshop’s zoom sign-on information.  Quick Facts:  The MTA has an established goal of 20% on all federally funded DBE contracts. The DBE Certification workshop series will help you understand the application process.  The sessions are hosted by MTA DBE Certification Managers and are at no cost to participate.  Due to COVID-19 pandemic efforts, the session will be hosted on a virtual platform.

Wednesday, June 8 at 6:00pm Hutch Metro Conference Center at 1200 Waters Place Public Speaking Workshop You don't want to miss this free, in-person workshop led by award-winning reporter Juliet Papa of 1010 WINS! Learn to conquer stage fright by simplifying your message, connecting with your audience, letting your passion show, and managing your nerves. Click HERE To Register

Tuesday, June 14 from 9:30am to 10:30am Financial Journey Workshop Join Yesenia Quinones, Bronx Community Manager for JPM Chase, for a free online workshop that will guide you through your financial journey with an in-depth discussion on savings and budgeting. Click HERE To Register

Save the Date: Bronx Chamber 2022 Gala

Save The Date! Mark your calendar for the 2022 Bronx Chamber Gala Celebrating Our Members September 29 at 6:30pm Marina Del Rey Caterers Bronx, NY

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!