NYC RECONNECTS

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1

RECONNECTING DOWNTOWN POST-SANDY

NOV. 8 - NOV. 15 2012

Beginning with Sandy, Reconnecting Downtown

NYC Reconnects photo by Aline Reynolds

Sandy’s flood waters left much of the South Street Seaport in ruins.

In response to the community needs of our downtown neighborhoods after Superstorm Sandy, NYC Community Media, publisher of The Villager, Gay City News, Downtown Express, East Villager and Chelsea Now, has launched NYC Reconnects. This paper will be published weekly, with daily updates via Twitter, Facebook and the NYC Reconnects website (www.nycreconnects.com).

NYC Reconnects is being distributed in all neighborhoods below 23rd Street in Manhattan with the goal of helping businesses and residents to get back on their feet. We will let readers know about transportation developments, housing, sanitation, volunteering opportunities, how to obtain financial assistance for both residents and businesses, which businesses and organizations have closed and which have reopened — and much more.

The decision to create a new paper was spurred by the overwhelming response NYC

Community Media received when The Villager, Downtown Express and Chelsea Now hit the streets last week. Readers were thrilled to get local news coverage and learn how their neighbors fared though the storm.

Our papers are here to serve the communities and deliver the news our neighborhoods need to flourish. We have the network in place for communicating at the grassroots level and we are here to help our friends downtown to get the help they need.

Businesses and organizations that can help those in need should send information to Terese Loeb Kreuzer, associate editor of NYC Reconnects, at Terese@nycreconnects.com. Also contact her with questions about how to get help and comments on our new endeavor.

Devastated South Street Seaport merchants seek grants to rebuild

JENNIFER GOODSTEIN PUBLISHER & CEO

IN THIS ISSUE

BY TERESE LOEB KREUZER Barbarini Alimentari at 225 Front St. was once a delightful, skylit restaurant accompanied by a market stocked with gourmet Italian groceries. It opened in 2006 — the second shop on historic Front Street and a “pioneer” as the Barbarini website said proudly. When Superstorm Sandy socked the South Street Seaport with a storm surge and violent winds on Oct. 29, it took only a few minutes to undo years of work.

“That evening I stayed until 9 trying to save as much fresh food I could, storing it in mine and friends’ refrigerators,” said co-owner Claudio Marini in an email. “Then the power went off later that evening so I did all that work

for nothing. I had to throw everything away.”

Water filled the store. That night, Marini’s super called and said that the refrigerators were floating on the street in seven feet of water.

Marini was devastated.

“To see my little baby place completely destroyed by that storm was really terrible,” he said. “We love that neighborhood and would love to rebuild the store but for now it doesn’t look possible. We just met with insurance people and they said no flood insurance — no help. Nobody, really nobody has flood insurance on that street.”

Marini said that he and his partner had

spent almost $2 million to keep Barbarini going, figuring that eventually their investment would pay off.

Now, he said, they need help to recover.

“We cannot do it without grants and funds,” he said, “and I am not talking about loans.”

Robert LaValva, founder of the New Amsterdam Market on South Street, confirmed that many of the South Street Seaport merchants were, as he said, “in the same boat. They already took out loans to establish themselves,” he said. “They’re concerned about taking on more debt.”

The New Amsterdam Market’s offices on Front Continued on page 4

O N E MET ROT E CH CE NT E R NORT H, 10TH FLR • BROOKLYN , N Y 112013 • COPYRIG HT © 2012 N YC COMM U N ITY M ED IA , LLC

FEMA . . . . . . . . . . .3 VOLUNTEER . . . .8 CLOSINGS . . . . . 10 MEDICAL . . . . . . 12 UTILITIES . . . . . . 15

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November 8 - November 15, 2012

THE ALI FORNEY CENTER’S DROP-IN CENTER FOR HOMELESS LGBTQ YOUTH DEVASTATED BY HURRICANE SANDY. The nation’s largest and most comprehensive services provider for homeless LGBTQ youth suffered a serious loss as hurricane Sandy destroyed their Drop-in Center facility leaving it uninhabitable and in ruins.

The Chelsea based Drop-in Center was a safe refuge for 1,000 homeless young people each year. The facility provided over 10,000 warm meals, showers, clothing, and services to these young people, most of whom were on the streets with nowhere to go. Other services included a medical and mental health clinic, STD/HIV counseling, testing, and treatment, career and educational counseling. These services helped young people overcome the abuse and rejection of their families as they worked to reclaim their lives and begin to live independently.

The Ali Forney Center is asking for your help. Please visit

www.aliforneycenter.org/hurricanesandy to make a donation and learn more about their plan to rebuild this necessary haven in the homeless LGBTQ youth community.

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November 8 - November 15, 2012

FEMA

FEMA opens doors The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help with a variety of issues including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost their jobs because of the disaster, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE: Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov Apply via a smartphone at m.fema.gov Apply by phone: Call (800) 621-3362 Call TTY (800) 462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE FROM FEMA: Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time).

Financial assistance may be available to rent a different place to live, or a governmentprovided housing unit when rental properties are not available. Search for information about housing rental resources.

Repairs.

Financial assistance may be available to homeowners to repair damage from the disaster to their primary residence that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary and functional.

Replacement.

Financial assistance may be available to homeowners to replace a home destroyed in the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to help the homeowner with the cost of replacing a destroyed home.

Permanent or Semi-Permanent Housing Construction.

This could be in the form of direct assistance or money for the construction of a home. This type of help occurs only in insular areas or other locations specified

by FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is possible.

PREPARING FOR FEMA HOME INSPECTION: Residents awaiting inspectors sent by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can begin their cleanup process and remove trash prior to the arrival of FEMA inspectors. If you do not have insurance to cover your disaster-related damages, an inspection performed by a FEMA inspector is required to process your application.

Preparing for a FEMA home inspection includes removing as much trash from inside and out of a residence as is physically possible; it facilitates the process. Prior to disposing of damaged property, take an inventory of it and/or photographs. Your municipality can provide information on its scheduled trash removal.

A FEMA inspector will request proof of residency. The address on the documents or identification must match the residence that was damaged. The following are accepted forms for proof of residency: Owners: Proof of ownership (your deed, tax records, mortgage payment book, or a copy of your dwelling’s insurance policy for the address, showing you as the owner.)

Owners and renters: Proof of occupancy (your driver’s license address, any first-class government mail sent to you within the last three months at that address, or recent utility bills in your name at that address) and insurance policies.

Renters only: Lease agreement.

After registering, applicants will receive a pamphlet in the mail, entitled, “Help After A Disaster, An Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program.”

This pamphlet should answer most questions and provide information about other programs that may be able to assist in recovery efforts.

For complete information about the inspection process, go to fema.gov and search for “Inspection Process.”

Published by NYC COMMUNITY MEDIA, LLC One MetroTech Center North, 10th flr • Brooklyn, NY 112013 Phone: (212) 229-1890 • Fax: (212) 229-2790 On-line: www.nycreconnects.com E-mail: terese@nycreconnects.com © 2012 NYC Community Media, LLC

NYC Reconnects photo by Jeff Simmons

A volunteer dries type at flood-soaked Bowne & Co. in the Seaport.

Editorial AFTER SANDY As we learned on 9/11, great horror elicits great generosity and compassion as though the world were struggling to regain its balance. We are witnessing something similar in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

When the Zone A evacuation order came through on Sunday, Oct. 28, people throughout the region opened their doors to those who had to flee, whether they knew them well or not. “I have no place to go except a city shelter,” one woman posted on her Facebook page.

Within minutes there was a reply from a near stranger. “We’ve already offered space at our house in Brooklyn to a family whose house is near the ocean. Still, if you need someplace to stay, I’m sure we can squeeze you in.”

After the shrieking winds subsided and the extent of Sandy’s devastation became apparent, many New Yorkers who still had electricity, heat, food and water longed to help those who were less fortunate. They eagerly searched for opportunities to help.

In this first issue of NYC Reconnects, we describe how Julie Menin, former chair of Community Board 1, sent out an email blast asking for volunteers to take food, water and supplies to seniors and others who were trapped

Member of the New York Press Association

PUBLISHER Jennifer Goodstein

SR. V.P. OF SALES AND MARKETING Francesco Regini

Member of the National Newspaper Association

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Terese Loeb Kreuzer ARTS EDITOR Scott Stiffler REPORTER Aline Reynolds

RETAIL ADVERTISING MANAGER Colin Gregory

NYC Reconnects is published weekly by NYC Community Media LLC, One MetroTech Center North, 10th flr, Brooklyn, NY 112013 (212) 229-1890.

The entire contents of newspaper, including advertising, are copyrighted and no part may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher - © 2011 NYC Community Media LLC.

PUBLISHER’S LIABILITY FOR ERROR The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for others errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue.

BUSINESS MANAGER/ CONTROLLER Vera Musa

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Allison Greaker Julius Harrison Alex Morris Julio Tumbaco ART / PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Troy Masters

in their high-rise buildings without electrical power and heat. Hundreds of people from all over the city responded, knocking on thousands of doors.

This was not an unusual occurrence.

This story was repeated numerous times in numerous ways.

In times of trouble, New York City becomes like a small town where neighbors pull together and help each other.

Congressman Jerrold Nadler who represents the 8th Congressional District, noted that in an email he sent to his constituents. “I have been immensely inspired by the generosity of New Yorkers helping their neighbors in ways large and small,” he wrote. “This spirit of community – witnessed in the thousands of volunteers helping seniors stuck in high-rises in Coney Island without heat and electricity, distributing food and water in Washington Square Village, the teams of people sharing information and checking in on others, donating vital supplies – makes me proud to be a New Yorker and to have the privilege of representing you.”

In NYC Reconnects, we will continue to bring you stories about generosity in the face of need. Sandy’s havoc will take a long time to repair. And we will tell you how to get the help you need as we all navigate the difficulties ahead — fortunately with each other’s help.

Terese Loeb Kreuzer Associate Editor, NYC Reconnects

SENIOR DESIGNER Michael Shirey

CIRCULATION SALES MNGR. Marvin Rock

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTORS

Arnold Rozon

Ira Blutreich

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jefferson Siegel

Tequila Minsky

Jerry Tallmer

Jefferson Siegel

WEBMASTER

Clayton Patterson

Arturo Jimenez

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November 8 - November 15, 2012

FINANCIAL

Going to bat for business C.B. 1’S HURRICANE RELIEF SMALL BUSINESS TASK FORCE: Ro Sheffe, the chairman of Community Board 1’s Financial District Committee, has now also taken on the chairmanship of C.B. 1’s Hurricane Relief Small Business Task Force.

“Following Sunday’s Emergency Executive Meeting, it became clear that a Hurricane Relief Small Business Task Force needs to be created,” said Catherine McVay Hughes, who chairs C.B. 1. At that meeting on Nov. 4, the C.B. 1 Executive Board heard from distraught business owners such as Jacques Capsouto of Capsouto Freres restaurant at 451 Washington St. in Tribeca.

Capsouto said that the restaurant had been severely damaged by Superstorm Sandy, that contractors were demanding payment in cash, and that he didn’t know if or when or how the place could reopen.

McVay Hughes noted that Sheffe was able to facilitate small business grants from the L.M.D.C. in the aftermath of 9/11 and the construction disruptions downtown that caused many small businesses to close and others to teeter on the verge of closing.

“My primary objective [now] is to try to lobby for a grant program similar to the L.M.D.C.’s small business program that would take either federal or state money and give it directly to shop owners without them having to put up collateral or take out loans that they can’t afford,” he said.

Sheffe is calling for volunteers to serve on the Hurricane Relief task force. To volunteer, contact Evan Lacher immediately at elacher@cb.nyc.gov. The first meeting of the task force was held on Thursday, Nov. 8.

Sheffe said that there was a sliver of good news for New York City businesses in a generally gloomy picture. The New York City Department of Buildings (D.O.B.) and the Department of Small Business Services have decided to allow businesses damaged and shuttered by Sandy to reopen without D.O.B. certification provided the businesses agree to certification at a later date. This ruling will eliminate a lengthy bottleneck.

NYC BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CENTER: Earlier this week, the NYC Business Solutions Center reopened its office at 79 John St. Counselors will help small businesses, including non-profits, to complete applications for emergency loans, federal disaster aid programs and sales tax exemptions related to rebuilding.

The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) will have representatives at NYC Business Solutions to assist in the application process.

The City of New York and Goldman Sachs are providing $10 million in emergency loans to help businesses

damaged by Superstorm Sandy. Each emergency loan will be the sum of costs for replacement or repairs to facilities or equipment, and/or the working capital needed to restart or continue business operations, up to $25,000. There will be no payment required for the first six months. After that, loans will have a 1% interest rate on a monthly amortization schedule for the next 24 months.

There are no fees associated with the emergency loans. The NYC Business Solutions Center can help businesses apply for these loans.

The office is open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (212) 618-8914 or go to http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/ home/home.shtml.

HURRICANE EMERGENCY SALES TAX EXEMPTION PROGRAM: The New York City Industrial Development Agency will provide sales tax exemptions of up to $100,000 for each company affected by Superstorm Sandy to be applied to purchases of building, construction and renovation materials, machinery and equipment and other items of personal property and related services needed to rebuild after the storm. Companies undertaking projects of approximately $350,000 in value or more are encouraged to apply. Eligible businesses should obtain the Hurricane Emergency Sales Tax Exemption Program sales tax letter prior to making eligible capital expenditures. Go to http://www.nycedc. com/backtobusiness to download an application, or contact Shin Mitsugi at smitsugi@nycedc.com.

EMERGENCY RELIEF FORUMS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: City Council Member Margaret Chin, who represents District 1, said that she has been walking the district, talking to the owners of small businesses. She said that it was important that “we advocate for federal funding to be allocated for a small business emergency grant program. Low-interest loans are valuable resources for small businesses, but ultimately, I believe they will really need federal grants to get back on their feet.”

Along with Community Board 3 and her fellow elected officials, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and State Senator Daniel Squadron, Council Member Chin is co-sponsoring two Emergency Relief Forums for small businesses affected

by Superstorm Sandy. Both take place on Friday, Nov. 9. The first, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., is being held at the Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery St. The second, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., takes place at the Chinese Community Center auditorium, 62 Mott St.

NYC Reconnects photo by Terese Loeb Kreuzer

Jacques Capsouto told C.B.1’s Executive Board that his Tribeca restaurant might not survive Sandy.

Seaport businesses wrecked by Sandy Continued from page 1

Street suffered relatively minor damage. The market on South Street between Beekman Street and Peck Slip will reopen on Sunday, Nov. 11 and run as usual between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. But most of LaValva’s neighbors were not so fortunate.

He said that most businesses on historic Front Street and elsewhere in the neighborhood were without power because of damaged electrical equipment, and that businesses and residents had to evacuate. He thought it would be months at best before power could be restored and the water-soaked buildings dried out.

LaValva said that he had attended a meeting at City Hall on Nov. 6 orchestrated by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn at which business owners were urged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Though FEMA was established to aid individuals, it would be a conduit to getting assistance from other government agencies, he said.

He also mentioned that last year after Hurricane Irene, New York State made some grant money available

to businesses. “However,” he added, “we’re living in a time without that much government money available and the sums we’re talking about are so huge.”

LaValva said that approximately 25 South Street Seaport businesses were decimated by Superstorm Sandy, with a loss of around 350 jobs.

On Sunday, Nov. 4, when the New Amsterdam Market would usually have been open, he used his contacts and email network to ask volunteers to come to the Seaport to help the stricken businesses.

More than 200 people from all over the city showed up, he said. They did everything from the hard, dirty work of helping to demolish store interiors that had been ruined by flooding to working at Bowne & Co., the historic stationery store at 211 Water St. owned by the South Street Seaport Museum, where they painstakingly cleaned 170 cases of lead type that had been submerged in water.

LaValva said that this coming Sunday, he could use volunteers to help set up the New Amsterdam Market stalls. They would be needed between 8 a.m. and noon. To volunteer for the Sunday market or to help in other ways, email volunteer@ newamsterdammarket.org.

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November 8 - November 15, 2012

After Sandy damage, picking up the pieces New York City’s Department of Small Business Services has advice for businesses damaged by Superstorm Sandy, but some of it would apply equally well to people whose residences have been damaged. • If you have insurance that will cover your damage, contact your agent immediately. • Survey any damage; enter a severely damaged building ONLY after local authorities have deemed it safe to do so. • Photograph any damage to your business and save receipts for replacement items or repair work. • Look for safety hazards such as live wires, leaking gas or flammable liquids, poisonous gases, and damage to foundations or underground piping and notify the appropriate utility companies or emergency

responders of any such safety hazards. • Dry all areas and items quickly and thoroughly to prevent mold growth; food establishments especially should examine all surfaces, including sheet rock, for evidence of mold and take appropriate action immediately. • Begin salvage as soon as possible to prevent further damage; cover broken windows and torn roof coverings immediately to protect merchandise / business from further damage. • Separate damaged goods from undamaged goods, but beware of accumulating too much combustible debris inside of a building. • Call in key business personnel and notify contractors to start repairs - after ensuring that safety systems are fully implemented before any work is allowed to begin.

TECH

A non-denominational Christian church for families downtown.

Meets every Sunday at 10:30am 10 Desbrosses Street (between Hudson and Greenwich)

Office space and tech support for business TEMPORARY OFFICE SPACE: Julie Menin, former chair of Community Board 1, has found temporary office space for small businesses in Lower Manhattan that were displaced by Superstorm Sandy. “I’m a former small business owner,� she said. After her business was affected by 9/11, she founded Wall Street Rising to help Lower Manhattan businesses get back on their feet. “I’ve been down this road before,�

Menin commented about the repercussions of Sandy. She made phone calls to find places that could donate temporary office space and came up with 92Y Tribeca at 200 Hudson St. and the Tribeca Film Institute at 32 6th Ave., 27th floor. Each can accommodate 50 people. For more information email info@juliemenin.com/

TEMPORARY OFFICE SPACE LIST FROM THE REAL ESTATE BOARD OF NEW YORK: The Real Estate Board of New York has published a list of temporary office space available for small businesses displaced

by Sandy. It states that New York City has 40,000 square feet of space available at the Brooklyn Army Terminal and additional temporary space available at the Bronx Sunshine Market. The Real Estate Board is

www.lowermanhattanchurch.com

asking that landlords with spaces to add to the list contact Shannon Fales at sfales@ rebny.com.

The current list includes space in various parts of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn and in northern New Jersey. http://www. rebny.com/pdf_files/Sandy_1112_Spaces_ Available_for_Displaced_Tenants.pdf

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND COWORKING SPACES: NY Tech Meetup is a non-profit organization with more than 28,000 members from all parts of the New York technology community. It has asked its members to volunteer to work with government agencies, small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, schools, and others affected

by Superstorm Sandy to restore access to the networks, databases, websites and other critical technology they need to get back up and running. Those in need of help can sign up at http://bit.ly/hurrianetechhelp or call or text (646) 392-7353.

In collaboration with New Work City (a coworking space active in the New York technology community), NY Tech Meetup is also helping to find spaces where people can work, charge and reconnect. For information, go to http://tinyurl.com/cfj7w7h.

VISIT US AT NYCRECONNECTS.COM

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November 8 - November 15, 2012

FINANCIAL

LEGAL

Federal government aid

Insurance help

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) should be the first stop for individuals or businesses needing financial help to recover from Superstorm Sandy.

Faced with a confusing and unprecedented situation, many apartment dwellers, homeowners and businesses that have been displaced by Superstorm Sandy need legal advice. If an apartment is uninhabitable, can the landlord still collect the rent? If a home has been damaged or destroyed, can an insurance company limit or deny claims? If someone hires a cleaning company to clean up the debris and the muck, should insurance or disaster aid cover these costs?

These are just some of the questions that are surfacing in Sandy’s aftermath.

INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM: The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) enables individuals and households affected by a disaster to address necessary expenses and serious needs that can’t be met through other forms of disaster assistance or insurance. Some of these needs might include personal property losses (furniture, an automobile or clothing, for instance) or medical, dental and funeral expenses. The funds can also go toward temporary housing and semi-permanent or permanent housing construction.

IHP is administered by FEMA and by each state, with up to $31,900 available per claim in fiscal year 2013. The money is a grant and does not have to be repaid.

To apply for IHP, contact FEMA at (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or go to http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index. shtm. You can also visit a local Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for assistance or call the FEMA helpline either to register or to ask questions.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE: The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program is funded by FEMA and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

DUA provides unemployment benefits and reemployment services to eligible individuals who have lost their jobs because of major

disasters such as Superstorm Sandy.

Benefits are usually paid for up to 26 weeks if an individual continues to be unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster. These benefits are available for people not covered by other unemployment compensation programs.

Self-employed people, farmers, migrant and seasonal workers and those with insufficient quarters to qualify for other unemployment compensation would be in that category.

To apply for this program, you must register with the State Workforce Agency by phone, Internet or in person at a local claims office. For more information, go to the New York State Department of Labor website at http://www.labor.ny.gov/ ui/2012-sandy-services.shtm.

FEDERAL TAXES: Taxpayers who have sustained a casualty loss from a declared disaster may deduct that loss on their federal income tax return for the year in which the casualty actually occurred or choose to deduct the loss on the tax return for the preceding tax year.

All taxpayers are eligible to claim the casualty loss deduction, regardless of adjusted gross income tax level and regardless of whether they itemize.

The Internal Revenue Service can expedite refunds due to taxpayers in a federally declared disaster area. An expedited refund can be a relatively quick source of cash, does not need to be repaid and does not need an Individual Assistance declaration. It is available to any taxpayer in a federally declared disaster area.

FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE

NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION ATTORNEYS OFFER HELP: New York residents affected by Sandy can obtain free legal assistance from the New York State Bar Association. Call the Bar Association’s special legal hotline at (800) 699-5636 to explain the problem.

The person who answers will ask for your name and phone number and give you the name and phone number of an attorney whose area of expertise dovetails with your issue. Attorneys are offering free, halfhour consultations. There are no income limits to be eligible for this service. You can also go to www.NYSBA.org/Sandy for more information.

CUOMO TELLS INSURANCE COMPANIES NOT TO CHARGE HURRICANE-RELATED DEDUCTIBLES: New York State residents who are having problems with insurance claims (Sandyrelated or not) can call New York State’s Department of Financial Services’ hotline at (800) 339-1759. The hotline is staffed Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Nov. 1, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that New York homeowners will not have to pay potentially large hurricane

deductibles on insurance claims stemming from damage caused by Monday’s storm.

The New York State Department of Financial Services (D.F.S.) has informed the insurance industry that hurricane deductibles should not be triggered for this storm because it did not have sustained hurricane-force winds when it made landfall in New York.

THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE D.F.S. WILL BE MONITORING HOW CLAIMS ARE HANDLED. Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, said, “We will be working with insurers to help them respond as quickly as possible to homeowners who need to file claims. And we will be sending our mobile command center to hard -hit areas to help consumers with insurance questions and problems.”

D.F.S. urges homeowners who experienced property losses to file insurance claims with their insurers as soon as possible after losses occur. It is important to provide policy numbers and all information relevant to the loss. To best document losses, homeowners should take photos or videos showing the extent of the losses before cleaning up damage.

D.F.S. advises homeowners to only make necessary repairs to prevent further damage to property, like covering broken windows.

Permanent repairs should not be made until after insurers have inspected losses. Damaged personal property should be kept until after an insurance settlement has been reached.

In addition, homeowners should cooperate fully with their insurer and keep a diary of all conversations with the insurance agent, including the agent’s name, as well as the times and dates of all calls or visits.

Flood damage is only covered by flood insurance, which is a federal program administered by FEMA. Homeowners with flood insurance and flood damage should make claims through that insurance.

Whenever the President declares a major disaster, the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association in collaboration with FEMA provides free legal assistance to disaster survivors. The attorneys work without payment.

Participating lawyers typically provide assistance with insurance claims, home repair contracts, counseling on landlord/tenant problems, assistance in consumer protection matters, remedies and procedures and replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster.

This service is primarily for low-income individuals.

If you have power, charge your cell phones, laptops and other mobile devices, so that they’ll work if you do lose power.

If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored.

Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios are working. Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries.

Weather updates and news on power outages can be heard on most local radio and television stations.

NYC Reconnects photo by Terese Loeb Kreuzer

Some buildings will require extensive repairs before they can be reoccupied.

November 8 - November 15, 2012

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November 8 - November 15, 2012

VOLUNTEERING

Menin’s volunteer corps knocks on thousands of doors

BY TERESE LOEB KREUZER Superstorm Sandy had barely said farewell to New York City when Julie Menin, former chair of Community Board 1, sprang into action. On Oct. 31, using her email list which goes to more than 10,000 people, she sent out an email blast with information on how to apply for disaster assistance. At the end of it she wrote, “If you would like to volunteer to help in the recovery, simply email nycservice@cityhall.nyc. gov with your name, email address and borough. There will be ways to volunteer today and over the next week as opportunities arise.”

Later that day, she followed up with another email. “Many of you have emailed me indicating that you want to help the relief efforts but are not sure what to do. There are many shelters and buildings in Lower Manhattan that are in urgent need of food and water.

If you are able to volunteer your time tomorrow or provide food and water, please email me as I am organizing food and water deliveries to buildings in need throughout the day. “She asked prospective volunteers to indicate if they had a car.

The need was overwhelming and so was the response. More than 250 people signed up. Donning backpacks that they filled with water, canned goods, batteries and flashlights, they went door to door at Village View, a 1,236-unit apartment complex in the East Village that extends between First Avenue and Avenue A, 2nd Street and 6th Street.

Many buildings had a large senior population, Menin said, and were without power. The seniors had run out of food and water. Some were alone in the darkness and were too feeble to try to get help.

That evening, Menin reported on the day’s events. “Thank you so much to all who volunteered at Village View today,” she wrote in her email blast.

“I especially want to thank Tribeca Chabad, J Corps and JCP for sending so many volunteers and food today. We visited almost every unit at Village View and are now moving to Independence Plaza North. If you can volunteer and/ or bring food and water, please meet us there starting at 2 p.m.”

NYC Reconnects courtesy of Julie Menin

Continued on page 9

Julie Menin and volunteers delivering water to Village View residents.

SUPPORT NYC HURRICANE RELIEF

Concert for New York TO BENEFIT THE MAYOR’S FUND TO ADVANCE NEW YORK CITY Saturday, November 10, 7:30pm | Trinity Church, Broadway at Wall Street

BACH’s Mass in B Minor The Choir of Trinity Wall Street | Trinity Baroque Orchestra Julian Wachner, Conductor The concert is free and open to the public.

Donations also accepted online at nyc.gov/fund trinitywallstreet.org

an Episcopal parish in the city of New York

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Trinity Wall Street plays Bach benefit concert

Continued from page 8

At Independence Plaza, the volunteers knocked on almost every door of the 1,400-unit complex. Then they moved on to Southbridge Towers in the Seaport, where two buildings were without power.

At Southbridge Towers, they were accompanied by a doctor who answered medical questions.

With the weather getting colder, they started distributing blankets as well as food and other supplies.

They moved on to Vladeck Houses on the Lower East Side, Smith Houses in Chinatown, Fulton Houses in Chelsea, again knocking on every door.

“Whoever called us and asked us to come — that’s where we went,” Menin said.

She said that so far, the group has knocked on 9,000 doors, providing food, water and supplies.

“Distribution centers are not accessible for many seniors,” said Menin. “If someone lives on the 20th floor, they’re not going downstairs in the dark to some distribution center or even to the lobby of their building. The only feasible way to help them was to go door to door. I felt strongly about it.”

With heat, hot water and electricity still a mirage for some, the work continues.

Anyone who would like to join Menin’s door-to-door brigade can email info@ juliemenin.com or call (212) 988-8609.

BY TERESE LOEB KREUZER On Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Bach’s Mass in B Minor will resound through Trinity Church in a special performance by the Trinity Choir and Trinity Baroque Orchestra to benefit New York victims of Superstorm Sandy. Julian Wachner, Trinity Wall Street’s Director of Music and Art, will conduct the free performance.

The event will benefit the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that facilitates public-private partnerships throughout New York City’s five boroughs. The Mayor’s Fund is gathering donations to provide essential living supplies to New Yorkers in need – including food, water, blankets, baby supplies and other emergency items.

The Fund retains no administrative fee.

All donations go to relief efforts and to organizations that are providing essential living supplies to storm victims in the New York City area.

With its combination of solemnity and celebratory flourishes, Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B minor is widely considered to be one of the greatest musical masterpieces of all time.

Trinity Wall Street’s musical events are

usually webcast via www.trinitywallstreet. org but Trinity was not unscathed by Sandy. Because its video facilities were flooded by the storm, there will be no webcast of the B Minor Mass performance.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MAYOR’S FUND TO ADVANCE NEW YORK CITY While this concert will be offered free to the public, there will be means available at Trinity Church for concertgoers to make donations in support of the Mayor’s Fund, which is raising money for shortand long-term assistance for Sandy victims. In addition to contributing at this free concert, donations can be made online (www.nyc.gov/fund) and by mail with checks made payable to Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. Write “hurricane relief” in the memo line and send them to Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, 253 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10007. Donations can also be made over the phone by calling (212) 788-7794 or by texting NYCFUND to 50555 to donate $10 to the Mayor’s Fund to support hurricane relief.

(Message and data rates may apply.)

VOLUNTEERING & DONATING Cash is the most helpful form of donation but the Salvation Army, Housing Works and Catholic Charities also accept goods.

Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ usn/www_usn_2.nsf Housing Works: http://www.housingworks.org/ donate/ Catholic Charities: http://www.catholiccharitiesny.org/ Food donations Nonperishable items and water are the highest priority food items. To donate food, contact City Harvest and/or Food Bank for New York City.

City Harvest: http://www.cityharvest.org/ Food Bank for New York City: http://www.foodbanknyc.org/ For general volunteer opportunities go to nyc.gov/service

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November 8 - November 15, 2012

Businesses and organizations closed and reopened Businesses and organizations throughout Lower Manhattan closed because of Sandy. Some have reopened.

Some of them won’t reopen for a long time, if ever.

CLOSED

The Ali Forney Center

The Ali Forney Center’s mission is to help homeless LGBT youth be safe and become independent as they move from adolescence to adulthood. The main headquarters is at 224 W. 35th St., Suite 1500. The Ali Forney Day Center, located at 527 W. 22nd St. was devastated by Superstorm Sandy and is currently closed. For information and to make a donation in support of this non-profit, call (212) 222-3427 or go to aliforneycenter.org/hurricanesandy.

Skyscraper Museum The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, was not flooded during Sandy despite its proximity to the Hugh Carey Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, which turned into a torrent. However, the museum did lose electricity. It hopes to reopen on Nov. 9, if the power is back. For up-to-date information, go to http://www.skyscraper.org/ home.htm or call (212) 945-6324.

South Street Seaport Museum The lower floor of the South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St., was flooded

by Sandy, though none of the exhibits were damaged. The museum is still without power and is closed. The website (http://www. southstreetseaportmuseum.org/Default.asp) asks for donations. Volunteers who would like to help clean and repair the museum can email Franny Kent at fkent@mcny.org.

Downtown Community Center Superstorm Sandy left 20 feet of water in the Downtown Community Center at 120 Warren St., home of Manhattan Youth and its extensive programs for kids to seniors. For four days and four nights, the staff pumped out the water. Director Bob Townley said that somewhere between $1.3 million and $2.5 million would be necessary to restore the community center.

Additional money will be needed for Pier 25, where Manhattan Youth had a miniature golf course, a snack bar and other facilities whose revenues supported some of the organization’s other programs. Both the community center and Pier 25 are closed until further notice, though Manhattan Youth continues to run its after-school programs at public schools in Lower Manhattan.

On its website (www.manhattanyouth. org), Manhattan Youth is asking for donations to help get the community center open again. It’s also asking for volunteers to join a bucket brigade at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, passing buckets of debris up the

stairs. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and able to lift 35 pounds. The website suggests bringing gloves, a hat, appropriate shoes and old clothes. Manhattan Youth will provide masks. Go to the website to RSVP.

Museum of the American Indian The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian on Bowling Green is closed until further notice. The museum is housed in the palatial, 105-year-old building that esteemed architect Cass Gilbert designed to serve as a U.S. custom house. As of Monday, Nov. 5, the museum had power but no steam, heat or telephone service.

New York City Police Museum The New York City Police Museum at 100 Old Slip occupies a fortress-like, stone building that was constructed between 1909 and 1911 for the N.Y.P.D.’s First Precinct.

On the east side of Lower Manhattan, the building was no match for Superstorm Sandy’s punch. Check the museum’s website (http://www.nycpolicemuseum. org) for information on when it will reopen.

Merchants River House; Pound & Pence Merchants River House on the Battery Park City esplanade between Liberty and Albany Streets lost power when Sandy swept ashore on Oct. 29 and has been dark

ever since. But owner, Abraham Merchant, said the restaurant should be opening this week. Pound & Pence, another Merchants Hospitality restaurant in Lower Manhattan, got electricity back on Monday, Nov. 5 and resumed serving its usual bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, burgers and pints. Pound & Pence is at 55 Liberty St. and is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

OPEN Poets House, a serene outpost of literature and art whose expansive windows overlook the Hudson River, took a beating from Sandy but emerged undamaged. After being shuttered for a few days to take stock, Poets House reopened at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6. For information about programming, go to www.poetshouse. org. Poets House is at 10 River Terrace in Battery Park City.

The dramatic waterfalls of the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center site were turned off and the memorial was closed because of Sandy’s fierce attack. The memorial has reopened from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Previously reserved passes for dates and times affected by closures will be honored during temporary operations. New passes will temporarily be unavailable online or at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site. Visitors will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis at the memorial’s entrance on Albany Street.

WE STAND WITH LOWER MANHATTAN Monday’s storm devastated Seaport homes and small businesses. We are learning what can be done to help our neighborhood. Visit our website for updates. newamsterdammarket.org

NEW AMSTERDAM MARKET

November 8 - November 15, 2012

HOUSING

Warmth and shelter KEEPING WARM Con Edison has managed to restore power to most Lower Manhattan residents but staying warm is still a problem. Many buildings have no heat.

The City has opened daytime warming shelters at senior centers in every borough. In Lower Manhattan, there are warming centers in Chelsea, Chinatown, the Lower East Side, the East and West Villages and the Seaport.

Among them are the Center on the Square Senior Center, 20 Washington Square North; City Hall Senior Center, 100 Gold St.; Good Companions Senior Center, 334 Madison St.; Grand Coalition of Seniors, 80 Pitt St.; Mott Street Senior Center, 180 Mott St.; NY Chinatown Senior Center, 70 Mulberry St.; UJC Adult Luncheon Club, 15-17 Bialystoker Place; University Settlement Nutrition, 189 Allen St. All are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Though it is listed on the City website, BRC Senior Nutrition Program is not operating as a warming center. Hamilton Madison House at 50 Madison St. is operating as an unofficial warming center from to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For a complete list of City warming shelters, go to http://tinyurl.com/bgm2rla/ The Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place in Battery Park City, is open to Lower Manhattan residents and business owners without power or heat.

Though its phones aren’t working, it has heat, WiFi and a café. It’s open from 8 a.m. to closing. Before 10 a.m., go to the staff entrance on the right side of the building. After that, use the main entrance. The museum closes by midafternoon on Fridays and is closed on Saturdays.

The Bowery Mission at 90 Lafayette St. has heat and electricity and can accommodate up to 50 people in its chapel to escape the cold weather. With advance notice the mission could provide hot meals for a limited number of people at noon and at 5 p.m.

TEMPORARY HOUSING NEEDS Because of Superstorm Sandy, New York City officials say that up to 40,000 people will need temporary housing.

On Nov. 7, Mayor Bloomberg and Airbnb announced the launch of a new way to help connect victims of Superstorm Sandy with free housing. Airbnb, which normally helps travelers to find low- and moderate-cost bed and breakfast options, is now providing a platform to connect those who can offer free housing with those who have been displaced by the storm. The entire process is free, but Airbnb will still provide customer service, insurance for hosts and other services.

New Yorkers can now list their homes and extra space easily and immediately, and people who are looking for a place to stay can access these free spaces via Airbnb’s Donated Sandy Housing Directory at https:// www.airbnb.com/sandy.

The Real Estate Board of New York is looking for vacant land (including vacant lots, parking areas and open space) where trailers or temporary housing could be placed.

The terms under which these spaces would be rented are still being determined by the city, state and federal governments and the R.E.B.N.Y. is not yet seeking a commitment from landowners. At this time the Real Estate Board is only trying to get a sense of available housing stock for those affected by the hurricane. Submit all information to Ryan Baxter at rbaxter@rebny.com.

MAYOR TAPS GAIR In a city notorious for its costly housing, finding new quarters for up to 40,000 people displaced by Superstorm Sandy is not going to be easy. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has given that job to former FEMA director Brad Gair. As Director of Housing Recovery Operations, he will develop a comprehensive inventory of transitional and temporary housing options and oversee the transition of displaced New Yorkers into temporary housing in coordination with federal, state and local authorities.

Garbage piles but no fine New York City sanitation workers are working around the clock to remove storm debris from Coney Island, Staten Island and the Rockaways, affecting garbage pick-up and recycling throughout the city. On Tuesday, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced that areas normally receiving three times a week collection may only receive two collections per week, while areas that receive two times per week collection may only receive one collection while the emergency debris removal work continues.

Curbside recycling has been discontinued until further notice. No tickets will be written for refuse left at curbside during this emergency.

The DSNY asks that residents of priority areas separate appliances, perishable garbage and general debris to expedite the cleanup. To help prevent future flooding, residents should also keep debris away from storm drains.

According to the DSNY, sanitation crews are currently working 12-hour shifts and have collected more than 55,000 tons of refuse and debris since Sandy roared through New York City on Oct. 29.

11

12

November 8 - November 15, 2012

HEALTH

Downtown Medical Care Even before Superstorm Sandy struck on Oct. 29, New York Downtown Hospital at 170 William St. had evacuated all of its patients.

The decision was made in consultation with New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah in anticipation of the likely shutdown of electrical and steam service.

“Lower Manhattan has one of the most vulnerable electrical grids in the city in case of flooding or water damage,” said Fred Winters, a spokesman for the hospital. He said that 125 patients were evacuated.

As it turned out, the evacuation was the right thing to do. The NYU Langone Medical Center on First Avenue between 30th and 33rd Streets and Bellevue Hospital on First Avenue at 27th Street had to evacuate patients during the storm when their back-up generators failed. Bellevue will be closed until further notice. NYU Langone’s main campus at 550 First Ave. remains closed though the hospital has some satellite facilities that have reopened.

As of Tuesday, Nov. 6, New York Downtown Hospital has reopened with full service restored. Patients and their families can call (212) 312-5000 for more information.

“Bellevue had 500 beds,” said Winters, “and NYU Langone had 225 beds, so this is a significant loss of hospital capacity.”

Patients seeking outpatient care at Bellevue can call (212) 423-7272 for information.

As of Nov. 7, most of the physicians’ offices in the Faculty Practice Group at NYU Langone had reopened, though some had temporarily relocated. To confirm the location of an upcoming appointment or to schedule a new appointment, patients can call (866) 724-1830 or contact their physician’s practice via e-mail (http://fgp.med.nyu. edu/acc-contact-emails).

The NYU Langone website (http:// www.med.nyu.edu) has information on elective surgeries at the Hospital for Joint Diseases, the Clinical Cancer Center and the Center for Musculoskeletal Care & Outpatient Surgery.

The outpatient laboratory and blood donor room on NYU Langone’s main campus are closed. The hospital advises patients who need blood drawn to contact the Quest Patient Service Center at (800) 377-8448 to find a convenient location.

The nearest location to NYU Langone is at 137 East 36th St. Autologous or directed blood donations should be done through the New York Blood Center. More information and the physician order form are available at www.nybloodcenter.org.

MENTAL HEALTH HELP Disasters of the magnitude of Superstorm Sandy leave more than physical damage in their wake. Increased anxiety, sleeplessness and irritability are common especially among survivors who live in impacted areas, children and teens, the loved ones of victims and first responders and rescue and recovery workers.

The Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC) a not-forprofit organization that was called upon after 9/11 and after Hurricane Katrina smashed into the Gulf Coast, is standing by with a Disaster Distress Helpline to offer free crisis counseling and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the survivors of Sandy’s onslaught.

The Disaster Distress Helpline offers crisis counseling by phone (800) 9855990 and SMS (text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746). People who are deaf or hearing impaired can use TTY at (800) 846-8517 to reach the helpline. Counseling is available in more than 100 languages through interpretation services. Spanishspeakers can text ‘Hablanos’ to 66746.

DDH is supported by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and operated by the Mental Health Association of New York City’s (MHA-NYC) subsidiary Link2Health Solutions, Inc.

Emergency at EMC

BY TERESE LOEB KREUZER With St. Vincent’s Hospital at Seventh Avenue and 12th Street closed, emergency medical care physician Dr. Steve Okhravi saw a need and an opportunity in Lower Manhattan. In November 2010 he opened a medical practice called Emergency Medical Care at 200 Chambers St. “to fill a void for the community.”

Until Oct. 28, Emergency Medical Care had been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week treating appendicitis, blood clots, broken bones, chest pains, allergic reactions and more. But that Sunday, with Superstorm Sandy on the way, Dr. Okhravi closed the doors and sent the staff home.

Monday evening at the height of the storm, he and his brother Michael remained at the facility. Shortly after 8 p.m., he recalled, they were knee-high in water. “It was amazing how fast it came in,” he said.

The lights went off and they tried to escape, walking through the water that was rushing down Chambers Street. Friends picked them up a few blocks away.

“We drove through a huge puddle of water, almost up to the window of the car,” he said. They had to push forward Continued on page 13

13

November 8 - November 15, 2012

TRANSIT

Service changes and delays For the most up-to-date information on New York City bus and subway service, go to www.mta.info.

On the morning of Nov. 8, after a Nor’easter blew into town on the heels of Superstorm Sandy, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reported service changes and delays on most subway lines.

On Nov. 7, G trains finally started running again between Church Avenue in Brooklyn and Court Square in Queens, but with long delays because of ongoing work to repair damaged communications and signal equipment inside the Greenpoint tube under Newton Creek.

The Carnarsie L line between Brooklyn and Manhattan is still mired in muck. Crews are working to clean it, but no anticipated reopening date has been announced.

The R line also continues to be soggy,

with no service between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Crews are pumping out the Montague Tube, which carries the R and N lines under the East River. The R is running in two sections between the Forest Hills-71 Avenue Station and the 34 StreetHerald Square Station and also between the Jay Street-MetroTech Station and the Bay Ridge-95 Street Station, making all local stops.

The South Ferry 1 station in Lower Manhattan was pulverized by Superstorm Sandy and is closed until further notice.

The MTA has posted photos on flickr.com showing the extent of the destruction. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mtaphotos/ sets/72157631956653242/) Both local and express buses are being delayed by poor road conditions and traffic volume.

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The South Ferry Station is closed until further notice.

Emergency at EMC Continued from page 12

though it was pitch black. There was no way to return. Eventually they made it to their midtown office at 521 W. 42nd St. On Oct. 30 they went back downtown to find the office deep in mud and water.

Fortunately, they found that their equipment was unharmed.

They have a CAT scanner worth $1 million, a $150,000 X-ray machine, an $80,000 ultrasound device and no flood insurance.

“Flood insurance would have cost $125,000 a year,” said Dr. Okhravi, “a tremendous expense for a small business.”

For several days, there was no power. On Nov. 3, it came back on. On Nov. 4, the office reopened.

“We’re totally back to normal,” Dr. Okhravi said.

Emergency Medical Care accepts many kinds of insurance, including Medicare. The phone number is (212) 962-6200. For more information, go to http://www.emcny.com,

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14

November 8 - November 15, 2012

OFFICIALS

How to contact elected officials City Council Member Margaret Chin, District 1 165 Park Row, Suite 11, New York, NY 10038 Phone: (212) 587-3159 City Council Member Rosie Mendez, District 2 237 First Ave., Suite 504, New York, NY 10003 Phone: (212) 677-1077 City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, District 3 224 W. 30th St., Suite 1206, New York, NY 10001 Phone: (212) 564-7757 City Council Member Daniel Garodnick, District 4 211 E. 43rd St., Suite 1205, New York, NY 10017 Phone: (212) 818-0580 New York State Senator Daniel Squadron (District Office) 250 Broadway, Suite 2011 New York, NY 10007 Phone: (212) 298-5565

New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (District Office) 250 Broadway, Suite 2307 New York, NY 10007 Phone: (212) 312-1420 New York State Senator Thomas Duane (District Office) 322 Eighth Ave., Suite 1700 New York, NY 10001 Phone: (212) 633-8052

New York University’s Office of Government & Community Affairs and Lois Rakoff, Community Director of the Poe Room invite you to join us for

New York Senator Charles Schumer http://www.schumer.senate.gov/Public/ contact.htm Phone: (202) 224-6542 New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/ New York office: Phone: (212) 688-6262 New York Representative Jerrold Nadler (New York office) 201 Varick St., Suite 669 New York, NY 10014 https://jerroldnadler.house.gov/forms/ writeyourrep/default.aspx Phone: (212) 367-7350

In the Shadows

of

POE

Jerry Jones www.shadowhousecreations.blogspot.com

Friday, November 16, 2012 • 6:00-8:00 PM NYU’s School of Law • Furman Hall, Rm 216 245 Sullivan Street, NY, NY 10012 The Village comes together to showcase an array of artistic mediums in celebration of Edgar Allan Poe. Drama, readings, songs, and artwork are just a few of the creative expressions that will highlight the life and work of this great American story teller.

Reception to follow in the Poe Room.

This event is free and open to the public.

Please bring photo ID for entry.

PLEASE RSVP

NYU’s Office of Government & Community Affairs

212.998.2400 • community.affairs@nyu.edu.

SPONSORED BY

NYU’s Office of Government & Community

Affairs and Lois Rakoff, Community Director of the Poe Room.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Daniel Squadron

New York State Senator Daniel Squadron watched as members of the National Guard downloaded supplies for Rutgers Houses at 200 Madison St.

15

November 8 - November 15, 2012

UTILITIES

Lights out for thousands

By Nov. 8, Con Edison crews and out-ofstate utility workers had restored electricity to more than 90 percent of the nearly one million customers affected by Sandy.

However, a Nor’easter that arrived on Nov. 7 knocked out electricity to approximately 55,000 customers in New York City and Westchester County.

Crews were working to restore 67,000 customers from Superstorm Sandy when the latest storm hit.

The new storm temporarily delayed Con Edison’s customer restorations. Crews repairing overhead equipment cannot work safely in high winds.

Con Edison continues efforts to restore the approximately 72,000 customers whose equipment can be safely re-energized. In addition, the company is working with the New York City Buildings Department to expedite the restoration of about 30,000 customers in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens whose electrical equipment was damaged by flooding and cannot be safely re-energized without repairs and an inspection by an electrician.

Customers requiring inside-thepremises electrical work are not listed on the Con Edison Outage Map or included in the total number of outages reported by the company. Con Edison and the New York City Buildings Department are collaborating to guide customers through the process of repairing their own equipment. For information, go to http://www.coned.com/ es/Energy-Services-Flyer.pdf Con Edison continues to urge customers in Lower Manhattan who were affected by Sandy outages to conserve energy as much as possible while crews work to reinforce the underground electric system. Customers can help by refraining from using non-essential appliances such as washers and dryers. Con Edison is in contact with building owners to encourage limiting use of certain elevator banks or other electrical equipment.

You can report downed power lines, outages and check service restoration status by computer or mobile device at www.conEd.com. You also can call (800) 752-6633. When reporting an outage, it is helpful to have your Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether neighbors also have lost power. Customers who report outages will be called by Con Edison with their estimated restoration times as they become available.

The company urges customers to pay close attention to reports from city and municipal officials. Important information will be posted on www.conEd.com. For instructions on how to report an outage, go to http://bcove.me/6sx1yox5

SAFETY TIPS

170 William Street, New York, NY 10038 www.downtownhospital.org

Never operate a portable electric generator indoors or in an attached garage. Be sure to place the generator outside where exhaust fumes will not enter into enclosed spaces. Only operate a generator outdoors in a wellventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home. The generator should be protected from direct exposure to rain and snow.

Use extreme caution before going into a flooded basement.

Know whether there are electrified services or unsanitary conditions and wear high rubber boots. Also, know how deep the water is and probe it with a wooden stick, if necessary, to gauge the depth.

Keep children out of basements where there is water.

Do not go near downed wires.

Treat downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves or water.

Report downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you’re in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.

If you have power, charge your cell phones, laptops and other mobile devices, so that they’ll work if you do lose power.

If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored.

Check to make sure your flashlights and any batteryoperated radios are working. Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news on power outages can be heard on most local radio and television stations.

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November 8 - November 15, 2012

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US WEATHER THE STORM Thank you to the hundreds of God’s Love volunteers who worked tirelessly last week to ensure that people affected by the storm had access to nutritious food.

Despite significant obstacles, last week we delivered 8,000 meals to people displaced by Sandy and 2,300 emergency meal kits called “Sandy Bags” to our clients.

The God’s Love volunteers – simply the best!

The board and staff at God’s Love thank our incredible community for helping us weather the storm. We cannot do what we do without you!

If you would like to make a donation to help us restock our shelves, please visit us today at

glwd.org/donate