Legislation authorizing a county-wide wastewater management district in Suffolk, along with an additional 1/8-cent sales tax to finance a water quality restoration fund, was part of New York State’s 2023/2024 budget passed on May 2nd. The consolidation and tax initiatives require approval by the county legislature, and the sales tax increase requires voter approval in a mandatory public referendum.
Suffolk County legislators on Tuesday took the initial step on this proposal, which would widely expand use of sewers and high-tech septic systems in the county, as they set public hearings on the issue for later this month, Newsday reports. A hearing on measures to consolidate county sewer districts and to raise the sales tax by .125% to fund a major expansion of wastewater treatment will take place June 21st at 6 PM at the county center in Riverhead.
Representatives of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone told the outlet the tax hike and consolidation are needed to advance the Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan, a 50-year, $4 billion effort to reverse nitrogen pollution in Suffolk’s ground and surface waters. Deputy Suffolk County Executive Peter Scully has said the measures advanced Tuesday only enables public hearings, and legislators will have time to study the issue before voting. "If providing the wastewater infrastructure needed to ensure clean water across the county was simple or easy, the problem would have been solved a long time ago," Mr. Scully told Newsday.
Some republican legislators have expressed concern about increasing the sales tax and how the new revenues would be used. According to Newsday, Legislative Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey also questioned the impact of consolidation on residents of the Southwest Sewer District. Legislators Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holtsville), Leslie Kennedy (R-Smithtown) and Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) voted against scheduling a public hearing on creation of a countywide sewer district.
The Suffolk County Legislature has until August 4th to vote on putting the tax hike on the November ballot.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced public comments on proposed changes in fares and tolls can now be submitted online.
In addition, a series of four hybrid public fare hearings will be held in person at MTA Headquarters located at 2 Broadway, New York, NY on the 20th Floor in the William J. Ronan Board Room, and will be streamed live via Zoom and YouTube:
Members of the public who wish to speak can provide comments either in person or via Zoom. The MTA Board will vote on the fare and toll changes in July 2023 with changes expected to go into effect no later than Labor Day, Monday, September 4.
Those who wish to speak in person or virtually must pre-register online or call the Public Hearing Hotline at 646-252- 6777. All speakers will have two minutes to provide comments.
Registration for each public hearing will open Saturday, June 3 and will close at the start of the hearing.
A new report by the Immigration Research Initiative (IRI) showcases the diverse set of roles immigrants play in Long Island’s economy.
According to this report, immigrants account for nearly 1 in 5 Long Islanders, and for an even higher share of Long Island’s labor force and resident economic output. The IRI, a non-partisan think tank, used the most recent data available from the Census Bureau to analyze where immigrants live, what types of jobs immigrants do, and how much economic success immigrants achieve on Long Island.
“Immigrants are present throughout Long Island’s economy,” said David Dyssegaard Kallick, coauthor of the report and director at IRI. “Most immigrants in the region have at least middle-wage jobs and some do very well, economically. Immigrants often work as managers, software developers, and even as chief executives of local companies.”
IRI found that 60 percent of Long Island’s immigrants who work full-time jobs are in middle- or upper-wage jobs—49 percent are in middle-wage jobs, earning between $48,000 and $140,000 per year, and another 11 percent are in upper-wage jobs earning over $140,000.
“By far, the most common upper-wage jobs for immigrants are in the healthcare fields,” said Anthony Capote, a senior policy analyst at IRI and co-author of the report. “Thousands of immigrants work tirelessly as physicians, surgeons, and registered nurses to keep Long Islanders healthy year-round.”
That’s not to say, however, that the news is all good for Long Island’s immigrants. IRI found that 40 percent of immigrants in Nassau and Suffolk counties made less than $48,000 per year, as did 26 percent of U.S.-born workers. While $48,000 may be enough to get by in many parts of the country, the high cost of living on Long Island makes it hard to make ends meet on that salary.
The report found that immigrants making low wages are often concentrated in service and transportation jobs that help keep daily life functioning smoothly in Long Island’s communities every day. Immigrants make up, for example, 43 percent of all service workers, including 74 percent of maids, 57 percent of nursing assistants, and 64 percent of cab drivers. These are some of the lowest-paid jobs in the region, but they have an immediate impact on everyday life.
“The simple truth is that immigrants are largely responsible for providing the labor that keeps our economy running,” Mr. Capote said. “Without immigrants from all walks of life, Long Islanders would have a very hard time going out to eat, caring for their sick and aging loved ones, and keeping their homes clean. Long Islanders should be more focused on protecting these workers than trying to force them out of their communities.”
The report also highlights economic disparities across racial and gendered lines on Long Island. While 26 percent of U.S.-born Long Islanders made less than $48,000 per year, IRI’s report found that white people experience far greater economic success than workers of color, especially women.
Updated, accurate information about Long Island’s immigrant population can help everyone have an understanding of Long Island’s communities, workforce, and local economies that is “rooted in fact, not fiction, and in statistics, not fear," notes Sandra Dunn, associate director of Organización Latino Americanais.
The report was funded by a grant from the Long Island Community Foundation (LICF), a division of the New York Community Trust.
Established in 2021 by the Huntington Chamber of Commerce's Arts & Experiences Committee, the Huntington PUBlic Art Crawl was created as a safe way for people to enjoy the public facing art throughout Huntington. The goal of the event is to drive commerce throughout town, while also highlighting the rich history of art throughout the streets.
This village-wide celebration of the thriving art and cultural community in Huntington includes live mural painting, live music, Art Fair and the launch of a summer music series, Summer in the Streets. There are also specials and discounts at the best eateries and pubs in town. All the excitement happens within walking distance in the Village of Huntington.
This year, the 3rd Annual Huntington PUBlic Art Crawl was held on June 3rd and was a huge success. There were beautiful displays of artwork, music, pottery, murals and more. Over 30 vendors were on hand.
The Village of Greenport and its Waterfront Advisory Committee are holding a community discussion about the vision for the future of the village. Residents are being urged to attend to share thoughts and ideas.
When:
June 13, 2023 at 6:30 PM
July 6, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Where:
Greenport Village Cinema 211 Front St # A
Greenport, NY North Fork Arts Center (the Movie Theater)
211 Front Street | Greenport, NY
With the Village’s commercial development moratorium set to be lifted at the end of the summer, the Village is seeking to engage the public in an open dialogue about the community’s future, with the goal of building community consensus around a variety of projects and initiatives in the Village.
Representative from each of the Village’s current working committees, comprised of Village Trustees and other Greenport officials, as well as residents, will be on hand to offer recommendations and hear feedback, The Suffolk Times reports. Those committees include ones that focus on the waterfront, transportation and parking and code enforcement.
The 57-year-old Annual Puerto Rican Hispanic Parade represents an act of cultural affirmation on Long Island, the nonprofit organization Teatro Yerbabruja (TEY) states.
It is the largest parade on Long Island. This year the parade was held on June 4th, with more than 3,000 people from 85 organizations walkimg the 2-mile route down Fifth Avenue in Brentwood.
Sunday marked TEY’s 10th year organizing the parade, a marquee event, which initially began as a celebration of Puerto Rican culture and transitioned into a day honoring all Latino Long Islanders, regardless of background, Steve Bard, president of TEY’s board of directors, told Newsday.
Founded in 2004 by Puerto Rican artist Margarita Espada, TEY manages and produces works at the historic 2nd Firehouse Gallery and Performance Space in Bay Shore. It is here where art and events, such as the Annual Puerto Rican Hispanic Parade, are used as vessels for social change, to promote and nourish artists, to promote creativity and to motivate civic dialogue.
This year, the parade’s Grand marshal was Suffolk County Legislator Samuel Gonzalez, District 9. Also honored was Olga El Sehamy, nonprofit Jibaritos With Troops and Ana Figueroa. Olga El Sehamy, Suffolk assistant deputy county executive, received the presidential award; Bay Shore-based Jibaritos With Troops was honored for social justice; and Ana Figueroa, the director of parent and community engagement for Long Island Head Start, was awarded the parade’s advocacy honor.
Each Memorial Day Weekend in Riverhead, East End Arts unbridles the creativity of the neighborhood and brings the community together for the Mosaic Street Painting Festival.
This year on May 28th, downtown Riverhead by the Peconic River was once again the scene of a celebration of the arts. Artists, musicians, and art lovers of all ages participated or watched as squares of the street were turned into vibrant and moving works of art. The event is inspired by the street artists of Grazie di Curtatone, Italy who gather each year for the Incontro Nazionale dei Madonnari where the streets of the village are converted into works of art in chalk.
There was street painting, live music, interactive art, crafts & vendors, food trucks, fine arts sale, drum circle, and dance & theater performances.
The mission of the Strider Education Foundation is to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten physical education class. This is just what’s happening at Lynwood Avenue Elementary in Farmingville, where about 77 kindergarten students a year will learn how to ride a bike.
Through the All Kids Bike Kindergarten Learn-to-Ride Program, the school received a fleet of 24 bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, one teacher instruction bike, and certified curriculum teacher training. This is everything needed to teach kids how to progress from balance to riding a bike in eight lessons. With the equipment lifespan of 7 to 10 years, this will impact up to 770 kids over the next decade.
Launched in 2018, the All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten Program is now active in over 900 schools across all 50 states, teaching more than 100,000 kids to ride each year.
Click here to learn more about
All Kids Bike Kindergarten Learn-to-Ride Program. https://allkidsbike.org/
The Nassau County Main Street Recovery Grant Program awards grants of $10,000 to small businesses and non-profits that experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19. Financial assistance is available to those in need on a first come, first served basis. Per Internal Revenue Service guidance, these grants are taxable.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
To qualify for Recovery Grant Program, an applicant must:
Be the principal i.e., majority owner of the applicant entity.
Be a small business owner or nonprofit executive currently operating within Nassau County. Businesses that have ceased operations are ineligible.
Be an eligible for-profit business or 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) nonprofit organization.
Have less than 50 full-time equivalent (FTE) W-2 employees.
Have had less than $5 million in 2021 and 2022 gross revenues.
Certify and demonstrate they experienced economic or financial hardship due to COVID-19. Examples include demonstrating reduction in revenues, increases in expenses, costs related to COVID compliance, staffing difficulties, etc.
Not have received a grant from Nassau County within the past 3 years. Applicants that already received grant funds from Nassau County are not eligible to apply.
Not be in default or arrears on past or current federal, state, or local financing or funding programs.
Not be in current litigation with, or have any conflict of interest with, Nassau County or the third-party administrator (NDC).
ELIGIBLE USE OF PROCEEDS: Eligible uses of grant proceeds include working capital to mitigate the economic and financial hardships caused by COVID-19 such as the purchase of inventory/supplies, rent, utilities, lease or purchase of equipment, operating and emergency maintenance, etc.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants can make full application at ndc.smapply.io. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed. Only one (1) application per Tax ID.
FUNDING IS LIMITED
Applicants needing assistance can email NCMSRecovery@ndconline.org and someone will contact you as soon as possible.
Enhance Your Open Space
Outdoor Commerce
& Beautification Grant
These grants are designed to foster economic viability, vibrancy and support of local businesses while increasing economic growth and business in downtown areas. The program provides funding to the following types of 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations: Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Districts, Civic Associations or not-for-profits.
Outdoor Dining/Commerce: Includes heaters, benches, tables, chairs, umbrellas, garbage receptacles, barricades, durable safety equipment, outdoor non-holiday-specific lighting, speaker systems and limited signage,
Beautification Projects: includes planters, plants, mulch, landscape materials, rocks, flags, new gazebo construction and/or gazebo upgrade materials, winter seasonal décor/holiday lighting,
Murals,
“Welcome To” signage: PSEG Long Island recognition signage required.
Accepting applications until December 31, 2023 or until funds are exhausted. Pre-approval by PSEG Long Island required prior to any purchase.
The Main Street Revitalization Program is designed to encourage economic vitality of a business district and to optimize the use of existing electric infrastructure. This program offers financial incentive awards for projects in a local business district that is expected to improve the economic stability and growth of a municipality.
Eligible projects may include:
Interior renovations,
Façade improvements,
Streetscape improvements,
Other investments that would enhance the economic viability/vibrancy of the business district.
The Applicant may one or more of the following:
Property owner or developer,
Local Development Corporation, Business Improvement District, or Chamber of Commerce. Or similar agent of a municipality,
Not-for-profit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6), acting in partnership with a municipality, county or local development corporation on improvements in a business district.
Programs will continue based on available funding.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program designed to help low-income households meet the high cost of home energy. Applications for the 2022-2023 HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit are open now through August 31, or until funding runs out.
If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.
Applications for Regular HEAP may be submitted online at myBenefits during the HEAP season.
Applicants age 60 and over as well as those who are permanently disabled may apply for regular HEAP by mail to:
Nassau County Office for the Aging
60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd.
Uniondale, NY 11553
Phone 516-227-7386
All others (including applicants age 60 and over or permanently disabled, with an emergency) may apply in person or by mail to:
EAC Inc.
175 Fulton Avenue
4th Floor
Hempstead, New York 11550
Phone 516-565-4327
Further information, including benefit amounts, is available through the New York State OTDA HEAP website.
Long Island homeowners looking to play a role in reducing stormwater runoff, which is one of the leading causes of nitrogen pollution in Long Island waterways, are eligible for grants to help cover the cost and maintenance of runoff mitigation projects on their property.
The Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC), in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and NEIWPCC, is introducing the Long Island Garden Rewards Program. The program will provide up to $500 to offset the expense of installing green infrastructure on their properties including rain barrels, native plantings, and rain gardens.
Rain Barrels: Rain Barrels reduce stormwater runoff by collecting and storing rainwater for homeowners to later use in their yards and gardens, also helping conserve water consumption. Barrels must be a minimum of 50 gallons and are required to have mosquito netting or screening.
Rain Gardens: Rain gardens collect rainwater from roofs, driveways and other surfaces and allow that rain to soak into the ground. Rain gardens can filter stormwater before it reaches local waterways, mitigate flooding caused by pavement and enhance your yard with low maintenance landscaping. To be eligible, a rain garden must be a minimum of 20 square feet, use native plants and be maintained for at least three years.
Native Plantings: Native plants are heartier and more resilient to local climate conditions. Native plant gardens can reduce fertilizer and pesticide usage, reduce water usage, and promote biodiversity. These native plants support a healthy ecosystem and are more resistant to local weather.
To assist with the revitalization of the meetings and events industry, New York State has allocated $25 million for the Meet In New York Grant Program.
Empire State Development's Division of Tourism will award grants to qualifying New York State event venues and lodging properties as they competitively bid on new meeting and event business. The program will subsidize a portion of negotiated client discounts, up to $2 million dollars, on meeting space rental fees and group overnight lodging rates. To capitalize on the economic impact of the program, eligible event types will be limited to those that drive tourism and visitors to New York State.
This grant:
Does not require a match
Is not a loan, and does not need to be paid back
Is open to all venues that host conferences, meetings, convention, tradeshows and events
Is for events that take place prior to 12/31/25
To be eligible for grants, applicants must:
Be incorporated in New York State, or licensed or registered to do business in New York State
Have experienced economic harm resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by a year-to-year decrease of at least 15% of gross receipts and/or gross wages between 2019 and 2020
Have event facilities that accommodate a minimum capacity of 50 people.
Completed applications are due by June 30, 2023. Required event completion date 12/31/2025.
For assistance with the application process, consultations with an application advisor are available by calling 518-292-5206.
Round XIII Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative has been announced. Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 State agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development, available to projects on a continuous basis.
The Councils are encouraged to support projects that advance or address strategic State priorities -including green buildings and sustainable development, child care, distressed communities, and innovative public-private partnerships; those projects, will be eligible for additional award funding.
New this year, two new micro programs will award capital grants to support New York State craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations, and a new $30 million Challenge competition will award $10 million to up to three regions to implement creative solutions to tackle persistent barriers to economic growth. Also, for the first time since 2015, the Councils will be tasked with updating their strategic regional economic development plans.
The Regional Councils will score projects submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), the State's single application for State resources which includes programs from numerous agencies.
The 2023 REDC Guidebook and a list of additional resources available to REDC Members are accessible here. The CFA is available here.
The deadline for applications is Friday, July 28 at 4 p.m. Open enrollment programs are not subject to the July 28 deadline and will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.
The Long Island Empire State Development Office will be holding open office hours both in person and via zoom where businesses can discuss their potential projects with staff. Registration is required. PleaseCLICK HEREfor more information and to register.
Long Island Empire State Development Office also will be hosting a few Consolidated Funding Application sessions across Long Island during the month of June. These sessions are currently scheduled at a few town halls in Suffolk County. Registration is required. Representatives from NYS Department of State and NYS Parks will be on hand to discuss their programs and answer questions at the town halls. Stay tuned for a date in Nassau County. June 14th – 9:30am – Riverhead Town Hall June 14th – 1:00pm – Islip Town Hall June 27th – 1:00pm – Huntington Town Hall
The New York Department of State is offering more than $26 million in funding to municipalities for a variety of planning, revitalization and efficiency programs, the Longs Island Business News reports.
The five programs, which include Smart Growth Community Planning and Zoning, Countywide Resiliency Planning, Brownfield Opportunity Area, Local Waterfront Revitalization and Local Government Efficiency, can all be applied for through a single application form - the Consolidated Funding Application.
$16.3 million is available through the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, which provides grants to communities to develop a vision for their waterfront. There are currently 93 fully approved LWRPs, representing 113 municipalities throughout the state.
$4 million Local Government Efficiency Grant Program incentivizes local governments to reduce the cost of municipal operations and modernize delivery of local services, limiting growth in property taxes. About $3.6 million will be awarded for implementation projects, and about $400,000 will be awarded for planning projects.
$2 million for the Smart Growth Planning and Zoning Grant Program helps communities develop comprehensive municipal-wide plans and zoning ordinances, as well as targeted area plans and zoning for downtowns, central business districts and transit-orient development districts.
$2 million for the Smart Growth Countywide Resiliency Planning Program aids in the development of countywide plans that address climate change resiliency, risks and vulnerabilities and identify strategies for planning and implementing projects in a socially, environmentally, fiscally and economically sustainable way.
$2 million for the Brownfield Opportunity Area program is available to assist the transformation of brownfield sites from liabilities to community assets, which in turn generate and support new businesses, jobs, housing and public amenities.
“New York State offers an unparalleled suite of programs that have proven to be key to our state’s economic and social resurgence after the pandemic,” Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez said in the statement to the Long Island Business News. “These five programs administered by the Department of State will provide critical funding to municipalities and local governments so they can continue to grow and improve, putting us on a path to a safer, greener and more business-friendly New York.”
For more information on these funding programs visit the DOS website at dos.ny.gov.
Thurs. 6/15/2023 10am-11am
(SBA and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce)
“Starting a Business at 50+”
Starting a Business at Age 50+ 6/15 10am -11am
Wed. 6/21/2023 11:00am-12:00pm
(SBA and Flushing Library)
In Person and Virtual “Doing Business with the Government”
Wed. 6/21/2023 12:30pm-1:30pm
(SBA and Italy America Chamber of Commerce)
Webinar “Access to Capital” Click here to register
Wed. 6/21/2023 3pm-4pm
(SBA and Flushing Library)
(In Mandarin) In person and Virtual
“Doing Business with the Government”
Thurs. 6/22/2023 9:30am-10:30am
(SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC)
(in English) “Doing Business with the Government”
Doing Business with the Federal Government [eventbrite.com]
Thurs. 6/22/2023 10:30am-11:30am
(SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC)
(In Mandarin) “Doing Business with the Government”
Doing Business with the Federal Government [eventbrite.com]
Mon. 6/26/2023 2pm-3pm
(SBA and CNPP NUL Hub)
Webinar “Doing Business with the Government” Click here to register
Tue. 6/27/2023 at 3pm-4pm
(SBA and CNPP IRC Hub)
Webinar “Ten Steps to Start Your Business” Click here to launch meeting
Thurs. 6/29/2023 12pm- 1:30pm
(SBA and Port Authority NY & NJ)
Webinar “Doing Business with the Government” Click here to launch meeting
For more information, please contact Ms. Man-Li Lin, Economic Development Specialist, New York District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration at Man-li.lin@sba.gov.
East Meadow
Chamber of Commerce Community Day
June 10th
Community Day 2023, a fun free event for the entire family, will be held on June 10th in Speno Park, East Meadow.
Oyster Bay - Oyster Bay Day 2023
June 10th, 12pm-5pm
All-day street fair. Oyster Bay Day will be set up along Audrey Avenue, from South Street through lower Audrey Avenue to the Railroad Museum and to Maxwell Avenue, as well as Spring Street from West Main to lower Audrey Avenue. The festival will take place on June 10th, from 12 PM to 5 PM.
8th Annual Come In Unity (CIU)
Family Fun Day & Health Fair
in Uniondale
June 10th, 1 PM to 5 PM
The 8th Annual Come In Unity (CIU) family Fun Day & Health Fair will be held on June 10th, 1 PM to 5 PM at 710 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale.
Sponsored by Legislator Kevan Abrahams, Heeling Soles, and Glory House Rec, the family fun & health resource day also serves as a day to bring a sense of family and community to our neighborhoods. Guests will enjoy games, music, free food, haircuts, health screenings, healthcare insurance alternatives, Child Id service, voter registration options, in addition to employment & continuing education information and much more.
It’s a day that inspires, motivates, and instills pride in community and a day to demonstrate ways of giving back to the community.
On Sunday, June 11, 2023, the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce, Inc., will hold its 11th Annual Farmingville Street Fair.
This family-friendly fair will be held from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 1075 Portion Road, between Leeds Blvd. and Warren Avenue.
Vendors will be offering a variety of crafts, toys, jewelry, clothing, accessories and other wares, making the Street Fair a wonderful event in Farmingville. There will also be live music, classic cars, bounce structures, beer garden, food, and more.
LI Pride Parade & Festival
June 11, 2023
Long Island's gay pride parade and festival will return to Huntington on June 11, six years after the event moved to Long Beach, Huntington NOW reports.
The parade will march along Gerard Street to Main Street to Heckscher Park, where the festival will be held. “Welcome home to Huntington. It’s a big town and a diverse community and we welcome everybody,” Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth told the outlet.
The festival in Heckscher Park will include music, food, a pavilion for families, and a beer and wine garden.
Port Promenade will be held on June 15, from 5 PM to 10 PM. The street festival will take the best of Port Outdoors and add more activities and games for families to complement the shopping, live music and, of course, outdoor dining. This year the pedestrian-only section will be Main Street, Port Washington from Port Washington Blvd to Library Drive. The Port Washington BID organizing committee is bringing in fun activities, including corn hole, kids dance party and games. Live entertainment by local musicians will be featured on 3 different stages each evening. Of course, attendees can choose from nearly 30 participating restaurants and eateries for outdoor dining.
Village of Northport
Northport Village Pride in the Park
June 17th, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - 1 Bayview Ave. https://www.northportny.com/events
Kings Park Day
June 17th, 1pm to 4 pm
The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 45th Annual Kings Park Day Town Fair on June 17th, from 10 AM to 4 PM, on Main Street in Kings Park.
There will be food, music, live performances, over 250 vendors, rides, games, activities, raffles, and prizes. It will be fun for the whole family.
Annual Juneteenth Cultural Festival
June 17, 12pm - 6pm
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Cultural Festival is a multi-cultural and inter-generational gathering of thousands of residents throughout Long Island, as well as New York City’s five boroughs, celebrating a historical moment in American history.
The Juneteenth Cultural Festival features live music, keynote addresses, a multitude of Black-owned vendors, food trucks, and businesses, children’s games, arts, crafts, and other activities.
This year the festival will be held on June 17, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Hicksville LIRR outdoor parking lots.
Village of Garden City
Friday Night Promenades
June 23
The Village of Garden City and The Garden City Chamber of Commerce, will host Friday Night Promenades thorough the summer season. Dates: 6/23, 7/7, 7/21. 8/4, 9/1, and 9/15 on Seventh Street.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be hosting its Annual Festival on Saturday, June 24th and Sunday, June 25th, at the Lindenhurst Gazebo, from 12 PM until 5 PM.
There will be vendors, farmers market, food trucks, raffles, and so much more.
Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) was founded in 1985 as a grassroots local advocacy effort to bring non-profits and other community partners together to unite around the cause of homelessness, seeking to expand and enhance services to meet local needs. Its mission is “To end homelessness on Long Island, and alleviate the issues associated with homelessness and poverty for homeless and at-risk persons in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.” LICH has expanded services to continually align with local community needs and approaches that evidence shows to be most effective in addressing homelessness.
Right now, LICH has two calls to action:
1. Veterans Community Garden – Starting on April 5th, community service hours are available to help with the organic vegetable garden located on the north side of Amityville Community Resource Center, 600 Albany Avenue, Amityville. The Garden Club meets Wednesdays, 4 PM to 7 PM from April through November. Email Bailey at Briekkinen@addressthehomeless.org for more information or to RSVP.
2. The Scott Martella Supply Our School Drive, May through July 26, 2023. Items needed include backpacks, folders, notebooks, pens, lunchboxes, glue sticks, binders, index cards, scissors, calculators, highlighters, hand sanitizer and more. For more information visit www.addressthehomeless.org or Facebook/backpackpirates.
Times are tough, let’s all extend a helping hand.
The Scott Martella School Supplies Drive for LI Coalition for the Homeless
Through July 26th
Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) was founded in 1985 as a grassroots local advocacy effort to bring non-profits and other community partners together to unite around the cause of homelessness by seeking to expand and enhance services to meet local needs.
Each year, LICH collects new school supplies and backpacks to distribute to Long Island kids in need. There are over 2,000 kids living in shelters; many thousands more are at risk of homelessness. Its goal is to collect and distribute over 5,000 back packs so students can start their school year with the tools they need to succeed.
The drive is held in memory of Scott Martella. The Scott Martella School Supplies Drive began in 2017 in memory of Scott, the former Communications Director for County Executive Bellone, who was tragically killed in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway.
Participating in this drive can be a great team-building exercise amongst any office or organization. Please see flyer for a full list of what new items are being accepted. LICH can supply the boxes and pick them up once the drive concludes. The drives can begin as soon as possible (beginning no later than early July) and must conclude by 7/26/23.
If you’d prefer to skip the store, you can donate via Amazon Wishlist by clicking here
Great to have longtime leader in historic preservation and former Vision Board member Joel Snodgrass in for a LI Main Street News interview. Check it out....
We had Naomi Parisette from Westbury High School in for a LI Main Street News interview. Great to have her and her students profiled as she works closely with the LI Youth Summit and many charitable endeavors. Check it out.....
Long Island Main Street News
Contributors:
Eric Alexander, Director; Tawaun Weber, Assistant Director; Elissa Kyle, Placemaking Director;
Linda Henninger, Outreach Coordinator; Jen Makaw, Communications Consultant
We strive to provide continued quality publications like this every week. If you have any news or events that you would like to add to our newsletter, submit them to ea@visionlongisland.org for consideration.
If you are interested in becoming a Long Island Main Street News sponsor,
please call or text 631-804-9128 for rates and opportunities.
