Bronx Borough President Elect Gibson amd Councilwoman Elect Stevens help give back to the New Settlement Community

 

 This afternoon outside the New Settlement Community Center located at 1501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx Borough President Elect Vanessa Gibson, and Councilwoman Elect Althea Stevens joined with staff of the New Settlement Community Center to give out turkeys, chickens, and boxes of assorted food to the community around the new Settlement Community Center. 

Members of the community were happy to see their outgoing Councilwoman, who will become the new Bronx Borough President, and their new Councilwoman. The line for free food here went around the corner, and even with a line so long the food giveaway was over in less than one hour. 

The line turned around the corner and went halfway down that block. 

Bronx BP Elect Gibson and Councilwoman Elect Stevens catch up on a few thing as they wait to hand out the free food.

We have had dozens of photos of current Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. doing this, and BP Elect Gibson seems to be doing it as good as if not better than Diaz Jr.

BP Elect Gibson moves this box into place with some leg power. 

The turkeys went first, leaving some chickens and boxes of food to be given out.

THE NEW BXCC - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Legislative Updates, New Grants, Events and Much More Please click View/Allow Images so you don't miss a thing!

This week's Friday Extra comes from our fearless leader Lisa Sorin. Topics are: 1. Bronx Chamber Annual Holiday Party: bronxchamber.org/events 2. MWBE Certification 3. Neighborhood Business Grant Info Session on Monday, November 22nd 4. Small Business Resource Network Open and Online website program

Upcoming Events

Bronx Chamber Annual Holiday Party & Toy Drive

The holiday season is finally here — which means it's time to deck the halls, bring out the holiday cookies and embrace all things merry and bright. Join the Bronx Chamber for our annual Holiday Party at Villa Barone Manor on Thursday, December 9th. Wear your best ugly sweater for our #uglysweatercontest and bring a toy for our #TOYDRIVE. This years Toy Drive recipient is New Settlement. The New Settlement Community Center serves students from three schools, their families and members of the surrounding community with a range of programs in health and nutrition, education, youth development and the arts. Purchase your tickets HERE.

What You Should Know

UBS Grant Program

Project Entrepreneur, a program by UBS, aims to level the playing field for female founders of color by providing these founders with the resources and support they need to build and scale their companies. The Democratizing the Friends & Family Round program, in partnership with Hello Alice, will award $25,000 grants as well as access to virtual coaching and skill-building opportunities to 30 female founders of color who are leading high-growth companies. Click here to learn more.

The Small Business Growth Fund

Hello Alice is awarding 50 small business owners with $5,000 grants to help them make their next big move in 2022. To be eligible, a business must have less than $1M in annual revenue, a commitment to diversity and community, and a clear plan to use the grant funds. Applications for Round 1 are open now through December 10, 2021 at 6PM ET. For a full list of eligibility criteria, please see the Terms and Conditions.

Get Your Business Online for the Holidays!

Sign up for a FREE website built by our experts or receive SEO consulting. More and more consumers are shopping online. It's crucial that your small business has a strong online presence.  What’s Included for Free: First full year of website hosting on the Squarespace.com or BentoBox platform.   Registering a domain name for your new website, if you don't own one already.   If you’re a restaurant, websites come complete with commission-free online ordering.   In house SEO expert is available free of charge to help expand your website’s reach Sign- Up Here

Crain's Business Forum

With New York's legalization of adult-use marijuana expected to be up and running by late 2022, the industry is expected to generate north of $4 billion in overall sales. This translates to $350 million in tax revenue. How can state offices ensure communities that historically had been criminalized by marijuana laws have an opportunity to do business in the emerging industry? Join us on December 15th to learn more! Register Here

BXCC Citizens NYC Grant and Webinar

Join us to learn more about our Neighborhood Business Grant. You will learn how to get up to $10,000 for your community improvement projects, have your questions for the application answered, and connect with other entrepreneurs and community leaders. Register Now

NYC Department of Small Business Services Webinar

This webinar will provide guidance for businesses interested in applying for loans and grants. In addition to providing an overview of available financing options, we will share tips to consider before taking on debt, an overview of documents commonly required to apply for a loan, and a summary of other loans and grants that are currently available for NYC businesses.  To register, click here

Governor Hochul Provides Thanksgiving Message and Encourages New Yorkers to Get Vaccinated

 

 Hi, I'm Governor Kathy Hochul. I want to wish all New Yorkers a Happy Thanksgiving.

For many of us, the holiday season is a special time of year when we gather with our families and loved ones. But we're also headed into a vulnerable time when more people are traveling and gathering indoors. That means that the chance of spreading COVID-19 is higher. Unfortunately, we are already seeing that play out in regions across New York State.

My team has been closely working with local leaders on this, and last weekend I held calls with county executives in every region of the state. I let them know that the State will provide any resources and support they need to combat this deadly virus. I want to thank local officials, like Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, who are taking strong actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their community. That's the kind of leadership we need to see.

I'm also asking business owners for their help. Please encourage your customers and staff to be vaccinated and to wear masks if your business is indoors. We're all in this together and we need everyone to do their part because the bottom line is that we can't afford another spike in the numbers this winter. So let's be smart.

We know the tools to stop the spread of this deadly virus.I know many of you are tired of hearing about this pandemic, but we're not through it yet, and the vaccine is truly our way out. Recent data shows that less than one percent of vaccinated New Yorkers are hospitalized due to COVID. So, if you haven't gotten the shot, what are you waiting for? Now is the best time to get yourself vaccinated ahead of the holidays. Don't put it off. Go to COVID19.health.ny.gov to make an appointment.

Thankfully, 90 percent of New Yorkers have received at least one dose, and I want to thank you for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. If you've already gotten your two doses, then you should get a booster shot. I got a booster shot a few weeks ago because my family will be visiting for Thanksgiving. And you know what? It didn't hurt and I felt fine. More importantly, I knew I was keeping myself and my family and my 85 year old father safe.

The Food and Drug Administration recently authorized the booster for all adults, and doctors recommend getting the booster. The booster is free and safe and widely available. There are nearly 4,500 locations in New York that are giving out booster shots. So book an appointment today at ny.gov/boosters.    

We've also been working on a detailed plan of action in consultation with doctors and local health officials to vaccinate our children who are 5 and older. Vaccinating our children not only protects them from variants, it also prevents the spread of COVID.Now I know parents and guardians out there still want to learn more about the vaccine for their child. I get it, I'm a mom, too. So I encourage you to talk to your pediatrician. Doctors and respected health experts agree: the vaccine is safe for children. So please take this holiday break to get your child vaccinated. It's the perfect time before getting together with family members.

As an incentive, I recently announced a chance for a full scholarship for children at a SUNY or CUNY college or university, and today I want to congratulate our first week round of winners. There's still four more weeks left, so don't miss out. Please visit ny.gov/vaccinateeducategraduate to enroll. Not only are you keeping your child safe and healthy, you are creating a bright future for them.

I'm also proud to announce a new incentive today called Take Your Shot for An Outdoor Adventure. Starting December 1, five lucky New Yorkers who get their first shot will have the chance to win lifetime hunting, fishing and birding licenses and deluxe gear to go with it! So what are you waiting for? Go to dec.ny.gov to learn more about how to enroll.

Finally, if we want to beat COVID, we also need to keep flu cases down. So don't forget to get your annual flu shot.

I'll close by sharing a few tips at home to keep yourself and others safe from COVID for Thanksgiving tomorrow. Limit gatherings to only vaccinated family and loved ones.If you can, get tested prior to seeing anyone who is at high risk. If the weather permits open the windows and doors. Think about ventilation. If you feel sick, stay home.Wear a mask when in public indoor places.

And if you're already vaccinated and got the booster I have one more request for you, I want you to think about the person in your life who isn't vaccinated yet. Reach out to them. Tell them why you chose to get the vaccine and encourage them to do so, too. 

Tell them not to wait. Don't put it off.

So let's do this, New Yorkers. Let's prevent a spike in the numbers this winter. And celebrate with our loved ones safely this holiday season.

Thank you.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY PLANS FOR PEDESTRIAN SPACE AROUND ROCKEFELLER CENTER

 

City to partially close 49th and 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues, with defined pedestrian spaces

 As visitors return to Manhattan this holiday season, Mayor de Blasio, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and New York City Police Department (NYPD) today announced the return of temporarily expanded pedestrian space on the streets around Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. With crowds this year expected to be the largest since the start of the pandemic, the Mayor and City officials strongly encourage New Yorkers to use public transportation.

 

“No place on earth is more magical than midtown during the holidays, and New Yorkers and visitors alike will get to enjoy the neighborhood with more pedestrian space than ever,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Public transit is the best way to get to the neighborhood, and these pedestrianized streets will create a safe, spacious, and welcoming environment for everyone who enjoys the holiday season.”

 

“Traffic safety and security are paramount all year round in New York City, and particularly as the winter holidays approach,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Royster. “This year, as in years past, our NYPD officers will be working around the clock along with our government partners to ensure a safe and fun holiday season for all who wish to visit the sights and stroll in Midtown Manhattan with their friends and loved ones.”

 

“We expect that as New York City continues to recover from the pandemic, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will once again be a major destination for New Yorkers and of course for the tourists once again flocking to our city,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “Creating more space for pedestrians around Rockefeller Center will keep people safe while ensuring minimal disruption to the rest of the life of the city. New Yorkers can of course do their part by avoiding unnecessary driving in Midtown during the holiday season.” 

 

Starting Friday, the City will pedestrianize the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, using movable barriers to institute full or partial street closures to alleviate swelling foot traffic along sidewalks. Changes include:

 

• Pedestrian-Only Side Streets: 49th and 50th Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues will be open only to pedestrians during the most congested hours.
  • The City will close these streets to vehicle traffic between 11 a.m. and midnight daily.
  • Stricter crowd-control protocols are expected to be in place for the tree-lighting scheduled for Wednesday, December 1^st.
• 5th Avenue: Movable barriers will be placed on the east and west sides of 5th Avenue between 48th and 52nd Streets, eliminating a lane of traffic on each side of the avenue to create more pedestrian space. Additionally, there will be no turns allowed onto 47th, 49th, or 51st Streets.
• 6th Avenue: Movable barriers will be placed on the east side of 6th Avenue between 48th and 52nd Streets, eliminating one lane of traffic to create more pedestrian space.
• Buses: MTA buses will bypass all stops between 48th to 52nd Streets, and all crosstown buses will be re-routed around Rockefeller Center during pedestrian-only hours. 

 

NYPD will conduct round-the-clock monitoring of the area to adjust the barriers if needed during times of unusual pedestrian activity or extreme weather. Closing streets to vehicle traffic will protect pedestrians while ensuring minimal disruptions to transit and police operations, allowing the City to permit the flow of many morning commuters while protecting pedestrians at peak times.