Sunday, April 12
If you have an immediate need, call (607) 288-3252
As always, community members looking for more information on local health resources and resources related to COVID-19 can contact 2-1-1 by calling 1-877-211-8667 or visiting 211tompkins.org
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Page
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Immediate Needs Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Food Systems Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Form
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Resource Folder
Donate
We are neighbors concerned about our communities and helping to make sure those most vulnerable and affected by COVID-19 get the support they need. We are volunteer run, with no paid staff, and our aid comes directly from the community. We have created a PayPal & Venmo account and the money donated is going directly to people who have made requests through our immediate needs page. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fundraiser that is in partnership with Tompkins County Worker's Center, You can also make donations through PayPal here and our Venmo here. Thank you!
Need Help Finding Help? Contact 2-1-1 Tompkins Cortland. I just want to remind people of this help desk and referral service. Callers are referred to service providers according to their needs. 2-1-1 may follow up with callers, when appropriate, to ensure that contact was made and to offer further assistance if needed. Some common questions include locations to find food, legal issues with housing, how to access healthcare, and finding employment. 2-1-1 is active 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. To access 2-1-1 by text, message your zip code to TXT211 or 898211. Texting service is available Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm). You can also access 2-1-1 services by email (iandr@hsctc.org) or by visiting their website.
Local
Health
The CH Sampling Site will be closed Monday, 4/13, due to a forecast of inclement weather. It will reopen on Tuesday, 4/14, for regular hours, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. To pre-register, call Cayuga Health Registration Line at 607-319-5708, or go online to cayugahealthsystem.org.
Tompkins County Public Health Department has issued a letter recommending the closing of recreation areas in the county that use shared equipment. The letter was signed and dated today by Public Health Director Frank Kruppa. Read the full report HERE.
Help Resources
Quarantine Space : Mutual Aid Tompkins is trying to coordinate with home/apartment owners to create quarantine space for people coming (back) to Ithaca or traveling to Ithaca from other places. If you need any assistance with self-quarantine place, please contact communityaidtompkins@gmail.com or our point person, Becky Sibner rsibner1@gmail.com.
Food
Ithaca Free Food Resources HERE.
Senior-Only Shopping Hours, Ithaca NY
Walmart: Tuesday 6am-7am
Tops: Tuesday & Thursday 6am-730am
Target: Tuesday & Wednesday 8am-9am
Green Star: Daily 9am-10am
CVS: Tuesday & Wednesday 7am-8am
Walgreens: Tuesday 8am-9am
BJ's Wholesale Club: Daily 8am-9am
Dollar Tree: Daily 9am-10am
Reminder that the List of Farms Serving Tompkins County is HERE.
Food Box Delivery : To provide immediate local relief, Cornell has partnered with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) to collect and distribute much-needed meals for food-insecure families. The organizers plan to provide food packages – each containing a three-day supply for a family of four – to 200 families on Tuesday, and another 200 on Thursday. The effort officially launches March 31 from 1-4 p.m. at GIAC and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday during those hours. If there are people in the area needing the free food boxes given away at GIAC, but are unable to travel for a variety of reasons, please contact communityaidtompkins@gmail.com – we would like to help arrange Food Box Delivery for people in need.
Food Pantries : The first of our Neighborhood Open Food Pantries has been placed in Ithaca's Northside neighborhood across from the Permaculture Park! Please read more information about Food Pantries and how to build a Neighborhood Food Pantry HERE.
Activities and Events
Singtrece’s Livestream with Mutual Aid Tompkins from Tuesday April 7 is available to watch HERE.
Saturday, April 11
If you have an immediate need, call (607) 288-3252
As always, community members looking for more information on local health resources and resources related to COVID-19 can contact 2-1-1 by calling 1-877-211-8667 or visiting 211tompkins.org
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Page
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Immediate Needs Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Food Systems Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Form
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Resource Folder
Donate
We are neighbors concerned about our communities and helping to make sure those most vulnerable and affected by COVID-19 get the support they need. We are volunteer run, with no paid staff, and our aid comes directly from the community. We have created a PayPal & Venmo account and the money donated is going directly to people who have made requests through our immediate needs page. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fundraiser that is in partnership with Tompkins County Worker's Center, You can also make donations through PayPal here and our Venmo here. Thank you!
Need Help Finding Help? Contact 2-1-1 Tompkins Cortland. I just want to remind people of this help desk and referral service. Callers are referred to service providers according to their needs. 2-1-1 may follow up with callers, when appropriate, to ensure that contact was made and to offer further assistance if needed. Some common questions include locations to find food, legal issues with housing, how to access healthcare, and finding employment. 2-1-1 is active 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. To access 2-1-1 by text, message your zip code to TXT211 or 898211. Texting service is available Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm). You can also access 2-1-1 services by email (iandr@hsctc.org) or by visiting their website.
Local
Health
A second non-county resident died of COVID-19 at Cayuga Health Center. Read the full report HERE.
The CH Sampling Site will be closed Monday, 4/13, due to a forecast of inclement weather. It will reopen on Tuesday, 4/14, for regular hours, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. To pre-register, call Cayuga Health Registration Line at 607-319-5708, or go online to cayugahealthsystem.org.
Tompkins County Public Health Department has issued a letter recommending the closing of recreation areas in the county that use shared equipment. The letter was signed and dated today by Public Health Director Frank Kruppa. Read the full report HERE.
Help Resources
Quarantine Space : Mutual Aid Tompkins is trying to coordinate with home/apartment owners to create quarantine space for people coming (back) to Ithaca or traveling to Ithaca from other places. If you need any assistance with self-quarantine place, please contact communityaidtompkins@gmail.com or our point person, Becky Sibner rsibner1@gmail.com.
New Stimulus Check Tool : IRS has launched a new tool for people who do not normally file taxes to get stimulus checks. Please see check the tool kit on the IRS website HERE . If you would like simplified instructions regarding the Stimulus Check Tool, Love & Discounts in the Time of Corona has also provided short-sweet-and-to-the-point guidelines on their Facebook Page.
Food
Ithaca Free Food Resources HERE.
Food Box Delivery : To provide immediate local relief, Cornell has partnered with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) to collect and distribute much-needed meals for food-insecure families. The organizers plan to provide food packages – each containing a three-day supply for a family of four – to 200 families on Tuesday, and another 200 on Thursday. The effort officially launches March 31 from 1-4 p.m. at GIAC and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday during those hours. If there are people in the area needing the free food boxes given away at GIAC, but are unable to travel for a variety of reasons, please contact communityaidtompkins@gmail.com – we would like to help arrange Food Box Delivery for people in need.
Food Pantries : The first of our Neighborhood Open Food Pantries has been placed in Ithaca's Northside neighborhood across from the Permaculture Park! Please read more information about Food Pantries and how to build a Neighborhood Food Pantry HERE.
State
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new partnership with the New York State Court System to create a pro bono network of volunteer lawyers to provide New Yorkers with free legal assistance. Volunteers will begin to receive training and start offering assistance next week. Lawyers interested in volunteering can sign up at www.nysba.org/covidvolunteer. Governor Cuomo also issued a letter calling on the U.S. Treasury to ensure New Yorkers do not have their stimulus payments frozen by banks or seized by creditors as soon as they arrive. Read the full report HERE.
National
COVID-19 Cases in the US : CDC website
Friday, April 10
If you have an immediate need, call (607) 288-3252
As always, community members looking for more information on local health resources and resources related to COVID-19 can contact 2-1-1 by calling 1-877-211-8667 or visiting 211tompkins.org
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Page
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Immediate Needs Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Food Systems Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Form
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Resource Folder
Donate
We are neighbors concerned about our communities and helping to make sure those most vulnerable and affected by COVID-19 get the support they need. We are volunteer run, with no paid staff, and our aid comes directly from the community. We have created a PayPal & Venmo account and the money donated is going directly to people who have made requests through our immediate needs page. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fundraiser that is in partnership with Tompkins County Worker's Center, You can also make donations through PayPal here and our Venmo here. Thank you!
Need Help Finding Help? Contact 2-1-1 Tompkins Cortland. I just want to remind people of this help desk and referral service. Callers are referred to service providers according to their needs. 2-1-1 may follow up with callers, when appropriate, to ensure that contact was made and to offer further assistance if needed. Some common questions include locations to find food, legal issues with housing, how to access healthcare, and finding employment. 2-1-1 is active 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. To access 2-1-1 by text, message your zip code to TXT211 or 898211. Texting service is available Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm). You can also access 2-1-1 services by email (iandr@hsctc.org) or by visiting their website.
Local
Health
Tompkins County Health Department has announced that a patient from NYC passed away at Cayuga Medical Center due to COVID-19 on Friday, April 10.
The Sampling Center will be open this Saturday, 4/11, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. To pre-register, call Cayuga Health Registration Line at 607-319-5708, or go online to cayugahealthsystem.org.
Help Resources
Quarantine Buddy : Students created site to foster connections during quarantine. Read full report at Cornell Cronicle.
Economic Impact Payment for SSI recipients and homeless individuals : If you receive veterans disability compensation, a pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or have an income level that does not require filing a tax return, then you need to submit information to the IRS in order to receive an Economic Impact Payment. If you don't usually file a tax return for the reasons stated above, you can submit your information HERE to the IRS for the Economic Impact Payment.
Offering Free TV : 34” flat screen TV with cables and power supply, approximately 10 years old. Contact info – Sarah Brylinsky
Food
Ithaca Free Food Resources HERE.
Activities and Events
Free Photography and Digital Storytelling Service (Long lenses will be used for Social Distancing)
Rafael Bitanga, a filmmaker and photographer, is a first-year student studying at Cornell University. Inspired by “Humans of New York,” Rafael decided to offer his photography and digital storytelling services to families (in the Ithaca area) who are interested to capture what happened to their daily lives at this time and are willing to share their stories with others.
Rafael said, “This project is to help us rewind, reflect, and rejoice once more in the future and to help young people like me prepare for the future of what it means to have a family.”
If you are interested to partake in this project, you can book a FREE 10-15 minute porch session at this LINK. Participants will be provided with a family photo and stories will be featured on the Bitanga Production website.
State
Filing Unemployment Claim Online
New York State launched an upgraded website for UI online filing on Friday morning to better process the increasing numbers of claims. The State has also implemented a 72-hour callback period to make the phone lines more available and speed up the application process.
Thursday, April 9
If you have an immediate need, call (607) 288-3252
As always, community members looking for more information on local health resources and resources related to COVID-19 can contact 2-1-1 by calling 1-877-211-8667 or visiting 211tompkins.org
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Page
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Immediate Needs Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Food Systems Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Form
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Resource Folder
Donate
We are neighbors concerned about our communities and helping to make sure those most vulnerable and affected by COVID-19 get the support they need. We are volunteer run, with no paid staff, and our aid comes directly from the community. We have created a PayPal & Venmo account and the money donated is going directly to people who have made requests through our immediate needs page. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fundraiser that is in partnership with Tompkins County Worker's Center, You can also make donations through PayPal here and our Venmo here. Thank you!
Need Help Finding Help? Contact 2-1-1 Tompkins Cortland. I just want to remind people of this help desk and referral service. Callers are referred to service providers according to their needs. 2-1-1 may follow up with callers, when appropriate, to ensure that contact was made and to offer further assistance if needed. Some common questions include locations to find food, legal issues with housing, how to access healthcare, and finding employment. 2-1-1 is active 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. To access 2-1-1 by text, message your zip code to TXT211 or 898211. Texting service is available Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm). You can also access 2-1-1 services by email (iandr@hsctc.org) or by visiting their website.
Local
Tompkins County Health Department has announced two more positive cases, along with three more recoveries. The five individuals that have been hospitalized remained as of Thursday evening.
Keep flattening the curve - Tompkins County was ranked highest for social distancing in the CNY Region. Full report here.
Law School clinical programs offer legal aid during crisis. “Cornell Law School faculty, students and staff are responding to the coronavirus pandemic by offering legal services to businesses and individuals in central New York. The assistance runs the gamut, from helping businesses and workers in the region access new benefits to supporting families in immigration detention centers at risk for the virus and working with low-income residents remotely to finalize their wills.”
The United Way of Tompkins County is asking those who are interested in volunteer opportunities to complete their volunteer form on the website. FIll out the form and continue to stay engaged with United Way of Tompkins as our community continues to work through the effects of COVID-19 and beyond!
In an effort to continue to “flatten the curve” in Tompkins County, and keep the community healthy and safe, moving forward United Way will only be recruiting individuals for on-site volunteer opportunities who meet the criteria below.
On-site volunteers must:
· Live alone or with only 1 other person
· Have not been outside the Central NY/Southern Tier Region in past 30 days
· Have not been ill in the past 30 days
· Have not had an ill member of their close social circle in the past 30 days
Remote Volunteer Opportunity
Community members and their family can help raise the spirits of some of those who are isolated and lonely. Send a photo of artwork, a letter/story/poem or a video that can be shared to residents living alone who have requested some spirit-lifting. Send submissions to SendASmileTompkins@gmail.com . You can also visit Mutual Aid Tompkins: Immediate Needs . Please feel free to share this as you wish!
Tompkins County DMV is handling registration renewals, new registrations, and plate surrenders by mail. 301 Third STreet, Ithaca, New York 14850.
Health
Reminder that the testing center at the The Shops at Ithaca Mall were closed today, Thursday, and will be closed Friday due to weather. The testing facility will be open on Saturday from 10-3pm.
Transportation solution for those who need to access testing for COVID19 but don’t have a personal vehicle. If someone does not have access to transportation for the COVID-19 drive-thru Sampling Center at the Ithaca Mall the County is asking that they first register for testing at http://cayugahealth.org or by calling 607-319-5708. Then they can call 2-1-1 to schedule a safe and free ride with ASAP Cab Company. They have installed a plastic barrier between the driver and the back seat of each vehicle and have instituted a thorough disinfection process which will be used between each ride following NYS Department of Health guidelines.
Guidelines for sharing the outdoors during COVID19. Public parks and trails in particular are wonderful outlets for everyone right now. As we all head outside however let's try and remember how important social distancing is even on these trails. A new study underscores the need for even greater distances between people during activity to avoid inhaling droplets exhaled into the “slipstream” of the person in front of you. The scientists advise that for walking, the distance of people moving in the same direction in 1 line should be at least 4–5 meters, for running and slow biking it should be 10 meters, and for hard biking at least 20 meters.
Tompkins County Mental Health Services. An update on mental health services from our Mental Health Department and partner providers has been posted to the county website. These services include for example: therapy, classes, and other services being offered via Zoom, nursing, crisis, and intake services offered in-person with safety protocols. Other critical agencies with info on that website include Cayuga Medical Center, Family & Children’s Service, Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service, Alcohol & Drug Council, and others.
Food
Free Food Resources here.
Tompkins Home Delivery is taking requests for donations of food with delivery. Donation request form here
Way2Go is working to keep the community informed of the various transportation changes and developing solutions arising in response to COVID-19. Please read and share these and other transportation-related updates at Way2Go.org or the Way2Go Facebook page.
Emergency & Regular Food Delivery Call 2-1-1 between 8:30 am to 5 pm for help getting emergency or regular food delivery. For emergency food delivery, your information will go to United Way who is organizing food delivery via Gadabout from the food hub.
2-1-1 operators at the Human Services Coalition will help answer your questions and connect you to local food assistance agencies and other helpful resources. This is the best way for someone without the internet to seek help, so please spread the word about this service to those who may benefit.
Deliver goods by bike, support local businesses with your bike needs, and/or help individuals get bikes to use for their mental and physical wellbeing. “Bike Walk Tompkins is not directly coordinating and matching volunteers with needs; rather we are getting the word out and the reminder that bikes can be excellent tools for essential trips.” https://www.bikewalktompkins.org/covid-19
Free dog food giveaway from the SPCA. The SPCA has been receiving generous donations of dog food and they want to pass some of it on to folks who are struggling to feed their pets right now. If you need dog food, please go to the Intake Building parking lot (the shorter of the SPCA’s two buildings) on April 11th, between 10 and 11 AM. Wait in your car, roll down a window, and staff will bring food to you. (for everyone’s safety hey would like to minimize human-to-human contact). This event is for dog food only, no cat food or other supplies will be available, but keep your eye on their website for additional upcoming food pantry events. No reservations are required for this event. Please send a friend if any in your family is sick, has been tested, or is under observation for COVID19.
Purchase, Designate, and distribute food through Shortstop Deli: Loaves & Fishes, The Learning Web, GIAC, Ithaca Housing Authority and Catholic Charities--can optimize use of Shortstop gift cards for groceries and ready-to-eat foods because their low-income program participants are in close proximity to Shortstop. To participate, call Shortstop (607) 273 – 1030, donate a gift card, and designate to one of the five collaborating agencies listed above.
Benefits:
Young adults and families in-need will receive direct food assistance.
Providers serving low income Ithacans can increase, or in some cases simply maintain, their ability to address food scarcity.
Service employees at Shortstop will not lose their jobs.
A locally owned business with a strong community-orientation—Shortstop Deli—will have a better chance of continued economic viability in these dire times.
Events
The Ithaca Fourth of July fireworks put on annually by the Rotary Club have been canceled (according to Mayor Myrick Facebook).
Other
The History Center in Tompkins County has created a series of FREE History at Home activity sets for school age children inspired by local history.
These include writing, crafting, coloring, and building programs inspired by the Tommy Plane, Ithaca Kitty, and our history as a silent film hotspot in the early 1900's. Certain activities were created in collaboration with the schools and qualify for ELA goals (noted on specific activity pages). We currently have completed the All About Tommy (5 activities inspired by the Tommy Plane in our Exhibit Hall), The Ithaca Kitty (4 activities inspired by the world famous polydactyl Caesar Grimalkin), and the Tompkins County Coloring Book (11 images depicting local scenes, public spaces, and historic objects from Tompkins County).All activities can be downloaded for FREE from our website at www.thehistorycenter.net/youth-education We encourage educators, caregivers, and parents with children (or just creative and bored adults!) at home to download these and enjoy! We'd love to see the creations that come from these projects, you can share pictures with us at eightsquare@thehistorycenter.net or by tagging us in any social media posts @tompkinshistory #historyathome
State
Direct to citizen stimulus checks are scheduled to begin distributing via direct deposit next week. A fourth stimulus package is being worked on in Congress.
To help develop a treatment, Governor Cuomo is asking all New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 to contact the state and donate blood. Individuals who tested positive and then recovered from the virus may have convalescent plasma in their blood, which has antibodies against the virus and could help with the development of a treatment for the virus. More information about how to donate is available here.
The State Department of Labor will immediately make $600 in additional weekly unemployment benefits available to all New Yorkers. New York is also extending the period covered by unemployment benefits for another 13 weeks, for a total of 39 weeks. A reminder for those who have difficulty enrolling for UI: any claim you file will be backdated to the date you became unemployed. If you are eligible, you will be paid all benefits due.
To honor those we have lost to COVID-19, Governor Cuomo is directing all flags on state government buildings to be flown at half-staff. Every single New Yorker we have lost to this vicious virus is in our hearts. The flags will remain lowered while New York remains on PAUSE.
Governor Cuomo will issue an Executive Order to ensure New Yorkers can vote by absentee ballot in the June 23rd elections. Previously, one needed a reason to request an absentee ballot, such as being away from your county on election day, permanent illness or disability, or incarceration. This executive order will waive that legal requirement and allow anyone to avoid voting in-person. While it hasn’t been updated to reflect the executive order, you can get information and apply for an absentee ballot at the NYS Board of Elections website.
Governor Cuomo launched a social media campaign to encourage people to stay home to protect the ones we love. The campaign encourages New Yorkers to share who they are staying home for and want to protect. Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Romeo Santos, and Giancarlo Stanton are among those who have joined the campaign. Share an image and story of who you are trying to protect on social media with the hashtags #IStayHomeFor and #NewYorkTough and tag your friends to spread the word.
Census news. To date the about 1/3rd of county residents have been officially counted. April 1 was “Census Day” but if you have not sent in your form or filled it out online there is still time. New Yorkers' fair share of federal funds for programs essential to health care, education, housing, economic development and transportation, as well as our congressional representation in Washington, all depends on an accurate and fully-counted census response. It only takes a few minutes, but your impact will last for years. Learn more about the census at the official NYS website.
Federal
The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre issued an activity alert titled, COVID-19 Exploited by Malicious Cyber Actors. This joint alert seeks to address the growing use of COVID-19-related themes by malicious cyber actors and it can be found here: https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-099a.
Wednesday, April 8th
If you have an immediate need, call (607) 288-3252
As always, community members looking for more information on local health resources and resources related to COVID-19 can contact 2-1-1 by calling 1-877-211-8667 or visiting 211tompkins.org
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Page
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Immediate Needs Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Food Systems Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Form
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Resource Folder
Donate
We are neighbors concerned about our communities and helping to make sure those most vulnerable and affected by COVID-19 get the support they need. We are volunteer run, with no paid staff, and our aid comes directly from the community. We have created a PayPal & Venmo account and the money donated is going directly to people who have made requests through our immediate needs page. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fundraiser that is in partnership with Tompkins County Worker's Center, You can also make donations through PayPal here and our Venmo here. Thank you!
Quarantine Space
Mutual Aid Tompkins is compiling a list of available spaces for people who need to quarantine and are unable to do so at home.
Please get in touch if you have a rental that is currently empty, an Airbnb, a second home, an RV, etc., where someone could quarantine for ~2 weeks.
You can fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/QBfHvdnH9WX18s1S6
or email rsibner1@gmail.com
Local
The Tompkins County Health Department says the sampling site will be closed Thursday and Friday, April 9 and 10, due to forecast inclement weather with heavy winds. They will be open Saturday, April 11, 10am-3pm to make up for the closure. (14850.com).
Ithaca Medical Staff to NYC - Hundreds spaced themselves out to cheer along the route of the two buses of medical staff that departed from Ithaca this morning to help in hard-hit hospitals of NYC for the next month. To steal from Mayor Myrick’s Facebook post, Two busloads of doctors and nurses left Ithaca this morning for hospitals in NYC. There are no words that can do justice to their bravery and selflessness. We were there to see them off. And we will be here to welcome them all home to Ithaca.” Article with photos.
See the latest data in the Tompkins County Tracker. Tompkins County currently has 105 positive cases, 5 hospitalizations, and 73 recoveries out of 2,246 total tests.
Help Resources
Tompkins County Health Department continues to update their information, resources, and FAQ page. Follow them on on Facebook @TompkinsPublicHealth or @TCNYGov and on Twitter @TompkinsHealth and @TompkinsToday
TCAT will extend no-fare policy to Sat., May 23
TCAT's no-fare policy that went into effect last month to reduce any potential for coronavirus contagion between drivers and riders will be extended to Sat., May 23, which marks the end of the transit agency's spring service period.
As another precaution, TCAT is asking people to ride the bus only if necessary; if they are essential workers or if they need to travel to pick up life-sustaining basics, such as food and medicine. To promote social distancing, each bus has a 20-rider limit and, while in transit, riders are asked to sit as far apart as possible.
Due to lower demand and to provide more flexible schedules for bus operators, TCAT adjusted its spring service twice last month to provide what is now about 65 percent of normal service. See details here. In early March, TCAT implemented precautions to include stepped up efforts at disinfecting buses and facilities used by employees and riders.
Click here for FAQs, which includes links to helpful resources regarding the pandemic.
Activities & Events
Ithaca Festival has been delayed from May until August 27-30. Festival organizers believe the new date “will ideally provide a safer and healthier time for [Ithaca] to celebrate.”
Tompkins County Public Library is pleased to invite the public to “Social Solidarity Haiku,” an online writing workshop via Zoom, Tuesday, April 21 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.
With this free online writing workshop for all ages, Tompkins County Poet Laureate Melissa Tuckey has a vision: to raise voices in solidarity with the essential workers on the front lines in our community during this crisis. Melissa will share examples of haiku and discuss how the form works, and participants will have the opportunity to practice writing haiku. Strategies for getting the poems into the world will also be shared. Haiku is a Japanese form hundreds of years old with roots in Buddhism. It's a democratic art form that anyone can master.
This free workshop is open to all ages.
The workshop will be offered via ZOOM. Register online at: www.tcpl.org/events/social-solidarity-haiku-writing-workshop-zoom. Once registered, participants will receive an email with details on how to access the workshop.
Tompkins County Poet Laureate Melissa Tuckey is author of Tenuous Chapel, a book of poems selected by Charles Simic for the ABZ First Book Award and Ghost Fishing: An Eco-Justice Poetry Anthology, published by University of Georgia Press, 2018. She’s a literary activist and co-founder of Split This Rock, a national poetry organization dedicated to lifting up culturally and stylistically diverse poetry of provocation and witness.
Tuckey’s honors include a winter fellowship at Fine Arts Center in Provincetown and fellowships from Black Earth Institute, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Ohio Arts Council, and Blue Mountain Center. She holds an MA and MFA in creative writing, and has taught creative writing workshops in a wide variety of settings, including George Mason University, Manhattanville University, DC Writers Corps, Downtown Writers Center in Syracuse, and the Community School of Arts and Music, and the Tompkins County jail.
Read more at her website, melissatuckey.net.
For more information about this and other programming at TCPL, contact Information and Learning Services at tvadakin@tcpl.org.
State
Governor Cuomo’s daily briefing was not available on Facebook Live this afternoon. For anyone that wasn’t able to watch, it was made available on Youtube.
Recent Updates:
1. New York seeks private sector partners to bring rapid COVID-19 testing to scale and accelerate testing capacity. Businesses interested in working with the state to manufacture these rapid tests on a large scale should contact Empire State Development at 212-803-3100 or COVID19supplies@esd.ny.gov.
2. Student loan borrowers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 can obtain relief for loans not covered by the CARES Act. Available relief includes 90 days of deferred monthly payments, waived late fees, no negative reporting to credit agencies and enrolling eligible borrowers in available long-term assistance programs. New York student loan borrowers should visit the Department of Financial Services' website for more information about available student loan relief.
3. The State Department of Health has developed a test to detect antibodies to the COVID-19 infection in an individual's blood. This test is an important step towards determining whether New Yorkers are developing immunity and when they could potentially return to work or school.
4. "Go Paper" campaign to raise awareness about Coronavirus protocols in your community. Starting this week, the online grocer FreshDirect will include a paper flyer with their deliveries that reminds New Yorkers to stay home. Any delivery service (or individual) can print the flyer and include in deliveries to spread this crucial message. To print out and distribute the flyer in your community, visit: https://www.ny.gov/coronavirus-community-handout
5. In order to restart the economy, we need a federal stimulus bill that actually understands the state's needs. I issued a letter to New York's Congressional Delegation outlining the state's needs in the next federal COVID-19 legislation. The previous COVID-19 stimulus bills failed to adequately address New York's COVID-related revenue losses.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": The public library in Levittown, New York, is using their 3D printers to make face shields and PPE for Nassau University Medical Center. It's inspiring to see communities help in innovative ways.
Releasing Aging People From People: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, 36 incarcerated people and 201 staff in New York State prisons have tested positive for the virus. Positive tests have occurred in at least 10 of the state’s 52 facilities. Three people in New York State prisons--2 incarcerated people and 1 staff person--with COVID-19 have died. Despite calls from advocates, attorneys, family members of people in prison, public health experts, Members of Congress, district attorneys and philanthropists for the state to release people from prison in response to the virus, the Governor has yet to issue a single clemency since the pandemic began. There are 10,239 older adults (aged 50 and older) incarcerated in New York State prisons.
We know that this issue is not only affecting incarcerated people in New York, but also others across the nation. The time is now to create change!
Here are some ways you can get involved:
2. Wednesday, April 8th, 7pm EST: #ClemencyCoast2Coast, a virtual Town Hall with advocates from New York and California as we strategize to join forces to get more of our people home! (Flyer attached)
RSVP HERE
National
Map: Tracking the Spread of the Coronavirus in the U.S.
Trump threatens to suspend funding of the World Health Organization.
Tuesday, April 7th
Mutual Aid Tompkins Resources
If you have an immediate need, call (607) 288-3252
As always, community members looking for more information on local health resources and resources related to COVID-19 can contact 2-1-1 by calling 1-877-211-8667 or visiting 211tompkins.org
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Page
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Immediate Needs Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Food Systems Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Form
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Resource Folder
Donate
We are neighbors concerned about our communities and helping to make sure those most vulnerable and affected by COVID-19 get the support they need. We are volunteer run, with no paid staff, and our aid comes directly from the community. We have created a PayPal & Venmo account and the money donated is going directly to people who have made requests through our immediate needs page. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fundraiser that is in partnership with Tompkins County Worker's Center, You can also make donations through PayPal here and our Venmo here. Thank you!
Local
Tracking
This is a helpful resource built by local resident Marty Hiller (it takes a few seconds to load). She has graphed all the data we have been getting from TC and for Cortland. You can see the classic exponential curve we would expect to see in an infectious disease outbreak with a predictive continued curve had we had no intervention. Mapped on the same graph is the observed curve of spread with the interventions that we as a community have taken.
News
Cayuga Health System Heros: Medical Mission to NYC: Send-Off April 8th 8:30AM - You are invited to attend a special send-off event for the CAYUGA HEALTH SYSTEM HEROES that are headed to New York City tomorrow to provide needed support for New York Presbyterian Hospital. We encourage everyone to park along the route to show support for the men and women volunteered to go help the hospital systems in greatest need down in New York City. Members of the community are also advised to continue to practice good social distancing of being at least six to ten feet apart from one another as they cheer and support the healthcare employees along the route. Dr. Stallone will lead a brief program that will include Dr. Martha Pollack, President of Cornell University via Zoom, Congressman Tom Reed, and Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton. This will be live-streamed on the Cayuga Medical Center Facebook page. Visit cayugahealthsystem.org/nyc to download your send-off sign to support of CH medical professionals during this send off!
ICSD plans Distance Learning as Regents are cancelled: Next Monday the Ithaca City School District (ICSD), will enact their "Distance Learning 2.0" plan in response to Governor Andrew Cuomo's announcement that schools statewide will be closed through April 29.
We Are Ithaca: 2-minute report: hunger relief non-profit Friendship Donations Network rises to meet increased local need: “Absolutely there is much more need as people get laid off from their jobs." Sue Robinson, volunteer at Friendship Donations Network, tells us about the increased pressure the COVID-19 pandemic is placing on local hunger relief programs and the coordinated effort rising to meet the challenge in this We Are Ithaca 2-minute report. NOTE: Proper safety precautions and physical distancing were observed throughout the making of this video. We Are Ithaca report by: Robyn Wishna, Jon Reis, Jacob Mroczek
Help Resources
Resources for the Impacts of COVID19 (sourced from madisoncovid.com)
Headspace Meditation and Mindfulness: New York has been hit hard by the current global crisis. In partnership with Governor Cuomo, Headspace wants to be here for you — to help you find some time and space as you weather this storm. From Buffalo to Long Island, Albany to the Lower East Side, this special NY collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises are here to support you through stressful and challenging times. Helping you — and your fellow New Yorkers — stay strong and be kind to yourselves, with a New York state of mind.
Food
United Way: Tompkins County Emergency Food Delivery Request form
Groton Public Library gives away free food every Tuesday at 6 pm on Main Street under the pavilion (next store to Speedway) in Groton. We get the food from the Friendship Donation Network.
Dumpling: I see many people looking for another option besides Instacart. Please check Dumpling. There are 3 of us in the Ithaca area that shop & deliver & most cases same day delivery. Facebook Message Shauna Dailey.
Activities & Events
Virtual Class: Make Your Vegetable Garden Beautiful from Cornell Cooperative Extension: April 8th 6:00pm - You've learned how to make your vegetable garden bountiful…now make it beautiful too! Join Master Gardener, Teresa Craighead, as she covers: flowers for in and around the vegetable garden, things to consider when introducing vegetables into ornamental gardens, vegetables with ornamental qualities, potager gardens, elements of garden design, planting patterns that please the eye, structures and accessories. This class is designed for vegetable gardeners, ornamental gardeners and anyone who is striving to create a summer veggie patch that both pleases the palate and delights the eye by blending with an ornamental landscape. Sliding scale of $10-$30, FREE Corona Virus Solidarity Pricing available
From the Building Movement Project: What are the effects of COVID-19 on Black, indigenous, Latinx, and Asian communities? April 14th at 3pm EST/12pm PST for a 75 minute webinar. How are non-profits, service providers, organizers, and advocates shifting their work in this moment? Join us on Tuesday, April 14th to better understand the challenges and possibilities of the current climate on community members, on organizational staff and programs - and on the possibilities for the future. We will be joined by Linda Campbell (Detroit Peoples Platform), Aarti Kohli (Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus), Judith LeBlanc (Native Organizers Alliance), Claudia Medina (Enlace Comunitario), and Deepa Iyer (Host, Building Movement Project and Solidarity Is). Registration required in advance. Please register.
Mask Making
Ear saving headbands with buttons: From Maddie Block: I have had a lot of people wanting these ear saving headbands with buttons. I’ve done almost 35 so far but ran out of buttons and have more people who need them. Does anyone have large buttons they would be willing to give me to help? 1-1.25 inches is the best! Thank you in advance
State
NYS Assembly Guide: Info and instructions on unemployment insurance, disability insurance, paid family leave, retention grant, recovery check, financial assistance for small businesses, bartender grants and nutrition programs.
National
News
Coronavirus wreaks havoc in African American neighbourhoods - BBC
Case Managers: The Other Frontline of COVID-19
Funding
United Fresh Start Foundation: offering grants to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for children and families in need, while creating opportunities for foodservice distributors who face the loss of most of their markets with the restaurant and hospitality industry shutdown.
Monday, April 6
Mutual Aid Tompkins Resources
If you have an immediate need, call (607) 288-3252
As always, community members looking for more information on local health resources and resources related to COVID-19 can contact 2-1-1 by calling 1-877-211-8667 or visiting 211tompkins.org
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Page
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Immediate Needs Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Food Systems Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Form
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Resource Folder
Donate
We are neighbors concerned about our communities and helping to make sure those most vulnerable and affected by COVID-19 get the support they need. We are volunteer run, with no paid staff, and our aid comes directly from the community. We have created a PayPal & Venmo account and the money donated is going directly to people who have made requests through our immediate needs page. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fundraiser that is in partnership with Tompkins County Worker's Center, You can also make donations through PayPal here and our Venmo here. Thank you!
Message from Mutual Aid Tompkins
This is why our group is striving to center around historically marginalized groups. Have we been doing it the right way? No, we haven’t. Within the last 3 weeks we have gained and lost Black and Brown members of our team because we put the emotional burden of educating us on how to better serve Black and Brown communities as well as not truly decolonizing our work. We were unable to hold the idea that people are resilient and can help themselves but rather came in as the fixers. There is so much that is wrong with all of that. I want to publicly apologize and acknowledge that this has happened behind the scenes and bring it to the forefront. Transparency is so important to me and is really the only good way to be held accountable.
We are trying and will continue to try. If you want to get involved in helping us remain accountable and be equitable about our work, please reach out.
Also please do not comment on this status saying we’re doing a good job because I’m not looking for that. What I really want is for everyone to read this article and really internalize it and think about what it means for our community.
“People like to say that the coronavirus is no respecter of race, class or country, that the disease Covid-19 is mindless and will infect anybody it can.
In theory, that is true. But, in practice, in the real world, this virus behaves like others, screeching like a heat-seeking missile toward the most vulnerable in society. And this happens not because it prefers them, but because they are more exposed, more fragile and more ill.
What the vulnerable portion of society looks like varies from country to country, but in America, that vulnerability is highly intersected with race and poverty.
Early evidence from cities and states already shows that Black people are disproportionately affected by the virus in devastating ways. As ProPublica reported, in Milwaukee County, Wis., as of Friday morning, 81 percent of the deaths were Black people. Black people make up only 26 percent of that county.
As for Chicago, WBEZ reported Sunday that “70 percent of Covid-19 deaths are Black,” and pointed out about surrounding Cook County, “While Black residents make up only 23 percent of the population in the county, they account for 58 percent of the Covid-19 deaths.”
The Detroit News reported last week, “At least 40 percent of those killed by the novel coronavirus in Michigan so far are Black, a percentage that far exceeds the proportion of African-Americans in the Detroit region and state.”
If this pattern holds true across other states and cities, this virus could have a catastrophic impact on Black people in this country.
The idea that this virus is an equal-opportunity killer must itself be killed.
And, we must dispense with the callous message that the best defense we have against the disease is something that each of us can control: We can all just stay home and keep social distance.
As a report last month by the Economic Policy Institute pointed out, “less than one in five Black workers and roughly one in six Hispanic workers are able to work from home.”’
Local
Tracking
COVID-19 cases graph is available in this google doc
From Marty Hiller: I moved this graph online, so you can check it yourself for updates instead of posting it every day. I added a second tab to the spreadsheet, showing Cortland County data. I was able to find historical data on the county health department's Facebook page. Let me know if you want to adopt a county to monitor, and I'll add you as an editor and help you set it up.
News
The Jungle: Update from Anna Kelles: All of the residents in the Jungle have been moved to another side of the Jungle away from the construction area. Advocates, outreach workers and volunteers have been building metal sheds and other shelter structures for the residents in the new space, which is, behind Lowes. Three port-a-Johns and 3 hand-washing stations have been placed at the entrance to Southwest Park, near Burger King for the Jungle residents to use. Second Wind Cottages has entered into a contract with Drain Brain to service this equipment. The City granted permission for this hygiene equipment to be placed on City property during the pandemic as a public health initiative. The unites can be moved to where they would be best utilized but hopefully remain in an area where it would be easy to access them for servicing. DASNY will begin construction staging tomorrow morning.
Transportation Services for People Needing to Get Tested: TCHD met with transportation providers to discussion options for transporting individuals to the sampling site at the Ithaca Mall. Currently they are working on outfitting a vehicle that will have a barrier between the rear seats and front seats to protect the driver from being exposed. The operation is still being planned out but is looking to be up and running by next week. They are still working on options for those with mobility issues possibly utilizing other means. They hope to have an announcement when all plans are in place and ready to execute.
Help Resources
Advocacy Center of Tompkins County: available to provide crisis, advocacy, supportive, and shelter services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence in our community. They have made adjustments to provide these services in line with recommendations from the Department of Health, World Health Organization, and Centers for Disease Control to promote the health of those we serve, our community, and our staff. Their 24 hour hotline remains open (607-277-5000) for emotional support, help with practical needs, and crisis intervention. Their confidential Domestic Violence Shelter remains open and staffed by a limited number of advocates. Please visit www.actompkins.org for regularly updated information. Visit their website for more information about the Advocacy Center's COVID 19 updates, and information with safety planning resources for people experiencing domestic violence during COVID. http://www.actompkins.org/get-help/covid-19-agency-updates/
Food
Trumansburg Main Street Market: is offering online shopping & home delivery (or curbside pick up). They have a variety of grocery options, with more being added daily. They are also offering this inspired idea for offering & receiving grocery donations:
"Pay-it-forward GIFT CARDS! If you have a little extra $$ that you want to pass on to someone who could use some groceries, while supporting a local small business, consider this:
1) If you want to GIVE: Go to our website, purchase a gift card (any amount), and have it emailed to tburgmainstmkt@gmail.com. I will save these cards, and give them to members of our community who reach out to me privately and could use some help with purchasing food!
2) If you need to RECEIVE: PLEASE EMAIL tburgmainstmkt@gmail.com. I will gladly help by using these donated gift cards to purchase food through our online ordering system for curbside pickup or home delivery!
Activities & Events
Mutual Aid Live Stream: Alex Mora: April 7, 8:00 - 8:50pm - Mutual Aid Tompkins is happy to organize and bring you live shows from our local entertainers every Tuesday. Let's chill out, hang out, and enjoy the great live entertainment our community has to offer. We are gonna expand your horizons and show off the diverse creative talent our community holds. Right now we are proud to present Alex Mora! Alex is asinger songwriter and producer. He makes music with rock, hip hop, and electronic influences. He also uses mindfulness practices to connect to music and sees the practice of music as a way to connect to the self and the sprit in us all.
Mutual Aid Livestream: DJ Evo Evolution: April 7, 9:00 - 9:50pm - Artist. Producer. Pilot of the new wave. The evolution of sound has arrived, presenting "EVO-evolution" for your entertainment expansion. EVO-evolution was born in Long Island, NY where it all began on Melody Lane. EVO-evolution took to music at an early age, experimenting with the trumpet before his passion for turntables and mixing solidified. EVO-evolution took to music at an early age, experimenting with the trumpet before his passion for turntables and mixing solidified.
Answers to Disaster Funding: April 6, 7, 10 - Business Leaders of Colors is hosting an online roundtable to discuss applying for Disaster Funding through the CARES Stimulus Act with Talia Watson, Biz Dev and Financial Consultant. She will give the inside scoop on each funding program, who is eligible, how best to apply, and tips & trick she has obtained from an SBA official. Additionally, we'll look at long term implications of these programs. The presentation will be followed by a roundtable Q&A where any attendee can voice their questions. Join the conversation: https://join.me/talia.watson
or Call in to: +1 425-436-6342
Our Heart Beats as One for Downtown Ithaca: April 9, 16, 23, 30 - In the midst of the COVID-19 closures and limitations, our beloved downtown small businesses have experienced a tremendous amount of upheaval. But they have also been working non-stop to ensure they stay connected to you, their community! And they really need all our support at this time. Details about how you can help ensure that various local establishments stay in the heart of our community during this uncertain period will be posted here on an ongoing basis. Keep the heartbeat of downtown Ithaca going by supporting local! See our website www.downtownithaca.com for these listings at a glance as well. Be sure to check back here for more details as they develop. We appreciate your patience as we add the most up to date information here as quickly as we can. Please be sure to check in with local businesses directly if you have any questions or inquiries about their most current updates.
Mask Making
SewGreen is open for business and selling mask making materials: As such, local sewing supply store SewGreen has received "essential service" status from New York State for sewing machine sales and service, with curbside pickup or delivery.
State
NY State Pause Extended to April 29: Gov. Cuomo announces schools and non-essential businesses to remain closed until April 29.
General Help & Information
Assurance Wireless Lifeline: To help ease the burden during the COVID19 virus all Assurance Wireless Lifeline customers, through May 20, 2020 will receive: Free Unlimited Calls, Free Unlimited Texts, Plus an additional 6GB Data FREE https://www.assurancewireless.com/ Find all the details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E8M5qCitAVpJO9gsxy0zNDyIgJwrFj08/view?usp=sharing
Practical Home Care for COVID19: This collection of resources is created with the help and advice of those who have been infected with covid-19 and recovered at home.
Sunday, April 5
Mutual Aid Tompkins Resources
If you have an immediate need, call (607) 288-3252
As always, community members looking for more information on local health resources and resources related to COVID-19 can contact 2-1-1 by calling 1-877-211-8667 or visiting 211tompkins.org
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Page
Mutual Aid Tompkins Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Immediate Needs Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Food Systems Facebook Group
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Form
Mutual Aid Tompkins Community Resource Folder
Donate
We are neighbors concerned about our communities and helping to make sure those most vulnerable and affected by COVID-19 get the support they need. We are volunteer run, with no paid staff, and our aid comes directly from the community. We have created a PayPal & Venmo account and the money donated is going directly to people who have made requests through our immediate needs page. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fundraiser that is in partnership with Tompkins County Worker's Center, You can also make donations through PayPal here and our Venmo here. Thank you!
Local
Health Advisory April 5th, 2020
From the Tompkins County Health Department:
A Wegmans Coffee Shop employee tested positive for COVID-19. This is at the Ithaca Wegmans at 500 S. Meadow St., Ithaca, NY. If you have been within 6ft of any Wegmans Coffee Shop Employee from the dates of Monday, March 23 - Saturday, April 4, 2020 follow the instructions below:
TCHD recommends you get tested at the Cayuga Health Sampling Site located at The Shops at Ithaca Mall parking lot
Pre-register here, https://cayugahealthsystem.org/
or call 607-319-5708
Self Quarantine at your home for 14 days starting from the last date you visited the Wegmans Coffee Shop
If you test negative, please continue your 14-day self-quarantine and monitor yourself for any symptoms. If symptoms arise, seek testing again!
Self-monitor for symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath
Read the full press release here
From Mutual Aid Tompkins
Mutual Aid Livestream: Alex Mora
April 7, Tuesday at 8 pm - 8:50 pm
Mutual Aid Tompkins Instagram Content
Tell me something positive that has happened to you lately. It can even be a small win like for example I was able to take a shower today without my toddler and it was glorious.
News & Tracking
COVID-19 cases graph is available in this google doc
From Marty Hiller: I moved this graph online, so you can check it yourself for updates instead of posting it every day. I added a second tab to the spreadsheet, showing Cortland County data. I was able to find historical data on the county health department's Facebook page. Let me know if you want to adopt a county to monitor, and I'll add you as an editor and help you set it up.
We Are Ithaca: 3-minute report: owner of Collegetown Bagels gives update on COVID-19 impact on local businesses
"At this point, between all of my places, we're probably right around 400 people that we've laid off." Owner of Ithaca's beloved Collegetown Bagels, Gregar Brous, talks about how the #COVID-19 pandemic and New York lockdown have drastically affected business, and how he's trying to adapt and stay open in this We Are Ithaca 3-minute report.
Help Sites
Managing Anxiety in an Anxiety-Provoking Situation
Text HOME to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support via a medium people already use and trust: text.
Immediate Help at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you experience significant changes in your energy level, eating patterns, or sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating on normal tasks, prolonged and overwhelming worry and hopelessness, or thoughts of self-injury or suicide, seek out immediate help at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
NY State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906. “Women should know that they don’t have to stay in those situations. We will help them relocate. We will help them find safe shelter." Troopers will investigate every reported case.
National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673
Mask Making
Activities & Events
Covid-19: Survival as a Local Business
Business Leaders of Colors is hosting an online roundtable to discuss applying for Disaster Funding through the CARES Stimulus Act with Talia Watson, Biz Dev and Financial Consultant. She will give the inside scoop on each funding program, who is eligible, how best to apply, and tips & trick she has obtained from an SBA official. Additionally, we'll look at long term implications of these programs. The presentation will be followed by a roundtable Q&A where any attendee can voice their questions.
Roundtable being hosted at 3 separate times:
Mon, April 6th at 6:30pm.
Tues, April 7th at 3:00pm.
Friday, April 10th at 4:00pm.
Join the conversation: https://join.me/talia.watson
Agenda:
- The different loan programs: EIDL or PPP? explained.
- Who qualifies for which programs: Yes,1099s can apply.
- What you need for your application: Making it a stress free process.
- Tax, capitalization, and cash flow implications: Taking a 60,000 ft view.
- Questions: ask me anything.
*If you are a pre-revenue company, non-profit, a freelancer, independent contractor, or gig-worker, you CAN and SHOULD apply, and your concerns will be addressed at this presentation.
If you can't make any of the above times, feel free to call Talia on her cell: 641.451.1023 or home: 607.252.6510
Our Hearts Beat As One for Downtown Ithaca
April 9, Thursday at 6 am
In the midst of the COVID-19 closures and limitations, our beloved downtown small businesses have experienced a tremendous amount of upheaval. But they have also been working non-stop to ensure they stay connected to you, their community! And they really need all our support at this time. Details about how you can help ensure that various local establishments stay in the heart of our community during this uncertain period will be posted here on an ongoing basis. Keep the heartbeat of downtown Ithaca going by supporting local!
See our website www.downtownithaca.com for these listings at a glance as well. Be sure to check back here for more details as they develop. We appreciate your patience as we add the most up to date information here as quickly as we can. Please be sure to check in with local businesses directly if you have any questions or inquiries about their most current updates.
Social Persistencing: DJ-Thon Fundraisers
April 12, Sunday from 6 pm - 12 am
Dear Ithaca, Tompkins County, and our neighboring communities: We the DJs... your friendly neighborhood party-starters, fun-makers, and help-you-relieve-stress-through-shaking-your-booty-ers... miss you. This is obviously a stressful time for us all, and while the true heroes among us (medical workers, first responders, and more) are performing herculean feats on a daily basis, most people have been sitting at home and wishing they could be helping more. SO LET'S! Beginning at 6pm Sunday April 5th, 2020, the Ithaca DJ Festival will be hosting an ongoing series of live-streaming DJ-thons to raise money for various local initiatives who are in need during this challenging time. Each DJ-thon will be 6 hours long and feature 3 local DJs, each spinning 2 hours of music to get you grooving. We’ll have a video chat room set up so you can show off your social disDancing! These events will be family friendly for the most part (but we won’t be censoring lyrics, fyi). The DJ schedule, including fundraising goals and donation instructions are at ithacadjfestival.com Every bit helps. Looking forward to seeing you on the virtual dancefloor! Love love love to you all. -IDJF
Tuesday, March 31
From Mutual Aid Tompkins
Hello friends! We have had a few inquiries come in about finding a space to quarantine for low or no cost. Does anyone know if there is something set up like this already? Please email us at communityaidtompkins@gmail.com if you know of a program like this happening. Thank you!
Local
News & Tracking
Lansing & Ithaca say basketball courts are closed: The Town of Lansing and City of Ithaca say basketball courts and playgrounds are closed until further notice due to the need for social distancing during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Cornell orders halt to hiring, freezes salaries: The news came Monday afternoon in a letter posted to the university's COVID-19 response website. In the letter, signed by Provost Michael Kotlikoff and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Joanne DeStefano, several immediate efforts to reduce operating costs are put forth. Most significant are the freeze on all new staff and temporary staff hires, and the cancellation of salary increases originally set to go in effect on July 1st. The hiring freeze does not apply to academic hires like professors, though the letter states all proposed faculty hires will be "carefully reviewed" by deans. An exception also exists to the salary increase declaration for raises required as part of previously agreed collective bargaining agreements with unions.
Family Medical Associates of Ithaca: In light of the current outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, the providers at Family Medicine Associates of Ithaca want you to know that our practice continues to be committed to caring for you. We have modified our office practice to better serve patients that are currently ill,and those who are well and need routine follow up medical care. 209 W. State Street office now is to be considered for sick patient evaluations, and 8 Brentwood Drive Suite D office is being used for routine well visits. Our staff will be asking you screening questions on the phone as well as when you check in for an appointment.
Telemed Health now available at Family Medicine. Our providers can now provide video visits for almost all of your medical needs. Please check with your insurance carrier to verify coverage. If you would like to schedule a video visit with your doctor, please either call the office at 607-277-4341 or submit a request through the online patient portal.
TOWN OF ITHACA NEWSLETTER: COVID-19 Update of Impacts #3 – March 31, 2020
Town of Ithaca Facilities continue to be closed to the public until further notice.
The Governor has also issued an Executive Order that affects building and construction.
Applications, Permits and Inspections – Severe Limitations Enacted: Based on Governor Cuomo’s Executive order 202.6, The Town of Ithaca will no longer be issuing permits or conducting inspections for projects unless it meets one of the following categories as defined and listed in the Executive Order 202.6 and the Empire State Development Guidance for Construction Activities:
The project is determined to be essential, such as, but not limited to: roads, bridges, transit facilities, utilities, hospitals or health care facilities, affordable housing, and homeless shelters
The project is determined to be emergency construction (e.g. a project necessary to protect health and safety of the occupants, or to continue a project if it would be unsafe to allow to remain undone until it is safe to shut the site).
A project where only a single worker, who is the sole employee/worker, is on a job site.
All applications can still be submitted for review, but a permit will not be issued unless it is determined to fall into one of the categories described above.
If you feel your application meets one of the categories, please CLEARLY mark that on your application.
All other procedures and processes from the earlier Applications, Permits and Inspection Update are in force for those projects determined to be essential. (See Website for Full Process)
Parks / Trails / Playground safety during COVID-19
The Town of Ithaca asks its residents to practice responsible recreation during this time period with the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. It is the goal of the Town to practice safe social distancing within the CDC guidelines by staying 6 feet away from others, washing your hands, staying home if you have any symptoms, and avoiding close contact. We ask our residents to avoid using playground equipment due to these safety guidelines.
While using Town trails and walkways, we ask our residents to also use these social distancing practices while respecting the space of other users. While we encourage residents to get out and use our trail system during this time, it will only work if we use an abundance of caution so as to not further spread the virus.
Town wide Brush pickup
Due to the COVID-19 heath crisis, Town of Ithaca Public Works has delayed its brush pick up until the week of Monday, April 20th. Please have ALL waste to roadside by 7am on this date. Due to staffing issues during this health emergency, there may be a delay in your curbside pickup. Whereas in the past we could be done in one week, it may take several. Smaller crews and social distancing guidelines will certainly slow the course of the operations but will keep our staff and residents safer during these times. Please remain patient with the process as we wish to remain safe and follow all guidelines.
Brush drop off / compost / wood chip pickup
The Town of Ithaca Public Works at 114 Seven Mile Dr. is currently under construction due to a renovation of the facility. During this time, the facility will see increased traffic patterns as our operations will join with additional construction vehicles. We urge residents to use caution and be mindful when entering the facility for brush/compost/wood chips. Please follow all appropriate signage for drop off and pickup procedures. Due to the COVID-19 virus – sign in will not be required. It will be monitored both visually and verbally as the Town strives to practice proper social distancing guidelines. Please use proper social distancing guidelines while at the Public Works.
Sewer Systems
DO NOT flush disposable wipes, tissues or paper towels! This will cause major problems to the Town’s system and/or your own system. Many wipes claim they are “flushable” but they should not be flushed! Put them in the trash instead.
Handicap permits
Permits will automatically be renewed and sent to you.
Water Bills
Due date has been extended to April 30th.
Employment/Unemployment/Funding
Community Arts Partnership grant: The Community Arts Partnership’s (CAP) created an Emergency Arts Relief Fund to provide some financial support to artists located in Tompkins County who have experienced lost income from the postponement and/or cancellation of specific, scheduled opportunities or programs due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Mask Making
THANKS to ANGELO Cleaners for offering to help with this process. Please drop off all masks you have made to their Meadow St Ithaca location and they will sanitize and be a location for pick up from agencies in need.
Activities & Events
ScienCenter Interactive Virtual Programs: The Sciencenter is currently closed to the public. In an effort to continue to bring fun, science education to you at home, Sciencenter educators are facilitating live Zoom activities every weekday morning at 10:30 am. Recorded versions of the live sessions can be found on our Facebook page by 4 pm each day. Access the Monday-Friday, 10:30 am live Zoom activities.
Seed Starting 101 Zoom Class from Cornell Cooperative Extension: April 1, 6-8pm. Save money and enjoy the miraculous process of seed germination and plant growth in your home to get you through these last weeks of winter and get your garden started early.
Food
Dryden American Legion: We will be open again for takeout this week Wednesday 4/1 through Saturday 4/4 from 12-8pm. Order early it is sure to sell out!! 844-9900
Wednesday-Lunch Prime Rib Sandwich with side $8.50. Our famous Wing night from 5-8 pm $9/dozen
Thursday-Lunch Mushroom Swiss Burgers with side $8.50
Friday-Lunch Fish sandwich with side $8.50, Dinner 5-8 pm Fish fry $12 Steak Dinner $14
Saturday Prime Rib Dinner with salad and side $19
Cornell teams up with GIAC and Food Bank of the Southern Tier for a new downtown food pantry: Beginning Tuesday, March 31st from 1-4pm, and continuing each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, Cornell staff will be giving out boxes of food staples as well as frozen items at GIAC’s basketball court. They hope to provide food packages, each containing a three-day supply for a family of four, to 200 families on Tuesday and another 200 families on Thursday.
Town and Village of Groton Community: Community Give back Free Chicken BBQ Happening: BBQ Chicken Halves will be handed out (free of charge)
*Limit 3 halves per family*
Saturday - April 4th 9:30 AM till Gone.... Drive-Thru Only - Please drive up to the front of the Groton Fire Dept Chicken Halves will be delivered to your vehicle.
Note: All Safety, Food/Health and Social guidelines will be followed at all times during this community giveback.
Parenting/Childcare
Child Development Council’s Emergency Scholarship fund: available to families that experience a financial emergency and are unable to pay their child care bills.
COVID-19 guidelines: The Child Development Council has expanded the normal eligibility criteria for Emergency Scholarship. Families may be eligible for up to $200 per week for a maximum of 4 weeks for future child care needs, not only a back child care bill. If you are an essential personnel paying 2 child care bills because your usual program is closed or you have extended hours, Emergency Scholarship can help. To apply, contact the Council to request an application. You will need to provide information about your finances and the emergency situation. Include the dollar amount you owe your child care provider. Funds, pending application approval, are paid directly to the provider. For families with ongoing financial needs, first contact the Department of Social Services (DSS) at (607) 274-5219 and apply for child care subsidy. Subsidy pays a portion of your child care costs while you work, seek work, or are enrolled in an approved program.
Questions & Advice
Does anybody know the actual, current, guidelines for an infected persons re-integration back into “society” (aka their own socially distanced world)? Follow the larger discussion on Mutual Aid Tompkins here.
State
Guidance for Cashiers During COVID19 Outbreak from Western NY Council for Occupational Safety & Health.
NYC Presidential Primary Moves to June: Governor Cuomo issued an executive order on Saturday moving New York State’s presidential primary election from April 28 to June 23. That puts it on the same day as the already scheduled federal and state primaries for congressional and state legislative offices.
School Budget Votes Postponed Until at Least June 1: School budget votes were scheduled for mid May – the state’s next scheduled mass voting event – but were delayed by Cuomo until at least June 1 and potentially longer.