Sunday, September 8, 2024

Upcoming events with GrowNYC! 🐑💚

 

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SHEAR YE SHEAR YE! 📢 Hey friend, we’re bringing you a suite of fun events starting this weekend! In this edition we will cover:

  • A workshop at The Whitney Museum with GrowNYC this Sunday, September 8th.

  • FLOCK: A Celebration of Regional Fiber next Friday, September 13th at GrowNYC’s Union Square Greenmarket.

  • Upcoming cookbook signings and Fall programming at Union Square Greenmarket.

Read on to learn more! ⬇️

🌱 GrowNYC workshop at The Whitney Museum

Gardens at NYCHA

Pictured: GrowNYC staff and intern engaging in a workshop at Roxanne Reid Memorial Garden in Castle Hill

Inspired by the Harrison’s Survival Piece #5: Portable Orchard, join GrowNYC for a community workshop exploring the connections between food sovereignty, climate action, and community organizing.

Together we will explore themes including our relationships to food and the environment, artistic expression in agriculture, and sensory awareness.

Where: The Whitney Museum of American Art, Floor 8, Trustee Room

When: Sunday, September 8, 2024

Time: 11 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM

This event is free to attend but registration is required.

Sign Up

or click this link.

Celebrate Regional Fiber at GrowNYC’s Union Square Greenmarket! 🐑💚

Sheep
Photo credit: Catskill Merino

GrowNYC is teaming up with The New York Fibershed, New York Textile Lab, and regional farmers to host FLOCK: A Celebration of Regional Fiber! 🐑

This event will bring together local fiber producers and artisans for a day-long celebration of regional, regenerative textile production that’s happening right here in New York State!

  • 🤝 Meet New York farmers and producers working hard to make sustainable products including Greenmarket farmers Catskill Merino and Rose Haven Alpacas, along with Dashing Star Farms, and Lily Moore Farm!

  • 🐑 There will be locally sourced and produced textile products, fibers and yarns available at the market as well as interactive demonstrations run by local artisans.

The details:

Date: Friday, September 13, 2024

Time: 10AM to 5PM

Where: GrowNYC’s Union Square Greenmarket (South Entrance)

Free to attend! No tickets or RSVP necessary.

Go deeper: Please review our blog post for more information. See you there! 💚

🍏 Upcoming Fall Events at Union Square Greenmarket


Union Square Greenmarket
Pictured: GrowNYC's Union Square Greenmarket

Save these dates for additional fall programming at GrowNYC’s Union Square Greenmarket, more details to come:

Cider Village 🍏
Friday, October 11 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Union Square Greenmarket (South Entrance)

Fermentation Fest 🫙
Friday, October 18 | 10 AM to 5 PM
Union Square Greenmarket (South Entrance)

Greenmarket Book Signings 📚

GrowNYC is thrilled to announce our Seasonal Cookbook Signings at Union Square Greenmarket with Kitchen Arts & Letters, home to NYC’s largest collection of food and drink books!

Meet your favorite authors, get signed and personalized copies of their cookbooks, and while you’re at it, shop at the oldest and largest farmers market in New York City! We are beyond excited to welcome this all-star cast of foodies to market, see below for the full line-up:

Stay updated: We’re still planning more seasonal book signings, stay tuned for the latest updates by checking out our website or Instagram accounts (@unsqgreenmarket @grownyc)!

Become a Friend of GrowNYC 🌱

GrowNYC tote bag

You support vital programming when you become a Friend of GrowNYC!

What is Friends of GrowNYC?: A community of New Yorkers passionate about GrowNYC’s mission and making our city more sustainable place for all.

What are the benefits?: Friends of GrowNYC receive an exclusive GrowNYC cotton canvas tote bag, as well as invitations to members-only online and in person events throughout the year.

How to join: Friends of GrowNYC commit to making a recurring gift of $15 or more every month. When you give monthly, you support GrowNYC programming year-round, from planting to harvest season!

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Governor Hochul Requests Major Disaster Declaration to Secure Federal Assistance for Communities Impacted by Tropical Storm Debby From August 8-10

heavy rain

If Granted, Declaration Would Provide Federal Assistance for Allegany, Broome, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Ontario, Steuben, St. Lawrence and Yates Counties


Governor Kathy Hochul requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to support the ongoing recovery efforts of communities impacted by the severe weather caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby that occurred on August 8 – 10, 2024. If granted by the federal government, this declaration would provide federal funding for Allegany, Broome, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Ontario, Steuben, St. Lawrence and Yates counties to cover debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

“After Tropical Storm Debby caused widespread damages across New York State, I’m requesting an emergency declaration from our federal partners to bring help to the communities in need,” Governor Hochul said. “We must provide relief to areas impacted by the storm, and my administration will take every measure necessary to ensure their speedy and full recovery.”

A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance from the federal government, primarily through FEMA's Public Assistance Program, to provide funding to local governments and eligible non-profits for debris removal, protective measures, and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities.

Following a disaster, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' (DHSES) Office of Disaster Recovery Programs works directly with counterparts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and impacted local governments to assess damages caused by, and costs related to, the disaster. Once these assessments are complete, FEMA validates whether the State and impacted counties have reached the required federal damage thresholds for a Major Disaster Declaration.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Debby produced severe rainfall causing major flooding, particularly in the Southern Tier, Central New York and the North Country. The National Weather Service observed 5.38 inches of rain in less than 12 hours in Steuben County and widespread rainfall rates of 2-2.5” per hour across multiple counties. Additionally, the National Weather Service placed a total of 17 New York counties under a flood watch, and a tornado watch was issued to 26 counties. During the event, 20 flash flood warnings were issued, including two flash flood emergencies, which indicate an imminent threat to life safety.

The heavy rainfall and flooding significantly damaged or destroyed transportation systems, critical public infrastructure and private property. Individuals were evacuated from their homes and shelters were set up by American Red Cross and local governments. Local roadways and bridges were completely submerged or washed out throughout the impacted areas, which will take weeks or months to repair. In some areas the damage to the roadways was so severe that initial assessments have been delayed. Straight line winds and microbursts uprooted mature trees and caused damages throughout the affected counties. Many roadways were deemed unpassable due to downed trees and debris or structural damage and full washouts. Heavy rainfall washed out shoulders, causing culverts to plug up which led to widespread flooding to roadways and the surrounding areas. Strong winds downed trees and damaged power lines which caused widespread power outages.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Helping communities access the federal funding they deserve is a top priority for Governor Hochul. State agencies were there to help our local government partners respond immediately after the storm, and those impacted by the damage from the rainfall associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby now need federal assistance to conduct much-needed repair and mitigation work.”

In advance of the storm, Governor Hochul directed State agencies to ready emergency response assets and stay in real-time communication with local governments to monitor weather impacts and respond to requests for assistance. After the storms, Governor Kathy Hochul announced grants of up to $50,000 to be available to eligible homeowners in Allegany, Delaware, Franklin, Steuben and St. Lawrence Counties to address health and safety-related repairs not covered by insurance or other disaster relief programs.

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DEC Announces Start of Early Big Game Hunting Seasons

 

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Early Bear and Antlerless Deer Seasons Open in September

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the start of early hunting seasons for deer and bear in certain regions of New York State. An early bear season begins Sept. 7, and runs through Sept. 22 in 11 of New York State’s Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). In addition, an early antlerless deer season begins Sept. 14 and runs through Sept. 22 in 13 WMUs across the state.

“DEC’s early big game seasons are designed to manage deer and bear populations at levels that are in balance with available habitat and in alignment with hunter and New Yorkers’ recreational preferences,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “By participating in these early big game seasons, hunters not only help manage wildlife populations, they also get an early start on filling their freezers with sustainably sourced meat while enjoying additional time outdoors with family and friends.”

WMUs for the early bear season include 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 3M, 3P, 3R, 4P, 4R, and 4W. WMUs for the early antlerless deer season include 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 4J, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F.

In WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F, hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows during the early antlerless deer season; only vertical bows can be used in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C. Hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows in all WMUs enrolled in the early bear season. The use of rifles is prohibited in Rockland County (most of WMU 3R) during any season.

Only antlerless deer, those without antlers or having antlers less than three inches long, may be harvested during the early antlerless deer season, and hunters may only use valid Deer Management Permits (DMPs) or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) tags. The application deadline for DMPs is Oct. 1, 2024. Bonus DMPs, which allow hunters who fill a DMP to apply for and receive a replacement DMP, are available in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C.

Hunters using firearms during any season must wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket while hunting. Legal hunting hours for deer and bear include the full period of ambient light from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Hunters should also remember that a recent law change removed the requirement for hunters to wear a backtag while hunting anywhere in New York State. 

DEC always encourages hunters to use common sense firearms safety during hunting seasons and to remember lessons learned in the DEC Hunter Education Course:

  • Point your gun in a safe direction.
  • Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
  • Be sure of your target and beyond.
  • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

To enroll in a Hunter Education Course or find more information, please visit: DEC’s Hunter Education webpage.

Deer and bear harvest estimates are available on DEC’s website and more information about season dates and bag limits is available in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide.

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Saturday, September 7, 2024

SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA JOINS 20 FOOT IUD: “FREEDA WOMB” AT HER DEBUT IN NEW YORK

 

Chair of the NYS Senate’s Health Committee joins "The IUD Express" Tour and Giant Inflatable IUD to Rally for Reproductive Rights

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D, WF - Bronx) joined Americans for Contraception’s “IUD Express” Tour at Times Square today to celebrate New York’s reproductive care protections with “Freeda Womb,” a 20-foot inflatable IUD. Senator Rivera is reminding Americans that the right to birth control, under assault from Republican lawmakers, cannot be taken for granted.

New York State has enacted policies to protect reproductive care from radical right wing agenda that threatens bodily autonomy. Senator Rivera supported codifying $25 million for New York’s Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Program this year to ensure access to abortion in the state and reimburse providers for uncompensated care, on top of an additional $1 million to support abortion services under the grant program. Last year, he supported legislation that allowed physicians and nurse practitioners to prescribe non-patient specific orders for contraceptives; to expand protections for reproductive health services from subpoenas and investigations from other states. Senator Rivera knows how important it is to make sure New Yorkers play their part locally and nationally to protect these rights.
During the November election, New Yorkers will consider a proposed constitutional amendment that would ensure that pregnancy outcomes are no longer grounds for discrimination. Its passage would enact the Equal Rights Amendment, which Senator Rivera supports. 
“I’m proud that New York is expanding reproductive care access while offering a safe haven for other Americans who are losing that access and whose lives are put at risk when they cannot seek necessary medical services in their own state,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Health Committee. “I urge New Yorkers to support the Equal Rights Amendment and enshrine critical protections into our state constitution by voting for Proposition 1 on their November ballots. A lot is at stake in the upcoming election, so we brought a giant IUD to Times Square to remind folks that across the country these rights are being taken away and threatened.”
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