Tag: COVID!(

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Featured NYC

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Troy Messenger

 

Rocking the Boat

We believe in giving back to our community and city. When you are a publication it becomes difficult to dig into your pockets for every great charity program. Rather, our part is to inform our readers of the causes that we have worked with and believe in.

Rocking the boat is one of the many programs that we feel is solid for you to invest your time and money. Launching in 1996 as a volunteer project in an East Harlem junior high school, Rocking the Boat worked under the aegis of New Settlement Apartments, which provided both workshop space and students for the cornerstone Boatbuilding Program.

They incorporated as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2001,

Rocking the Boat continued to cultivate relationships with a wide variety of community-based, educational, environmental, cultural, and historical organizations, and over the years have expanded their size and scope of its services.

Namely, the On-Water Education Program which is near and dear to our hearts. This was added in 2002, the On-Water Classroom in 2005, the Job Skills Program in 2006, Community Rowing in 2007, and the Sailing Program in 2015.

This year with the pandemic we were worried as to how this and many children/young adults charity programs would manage. The word for 2020 seems to be Virtual.

Rocking the Boat was brought to the attention of Downtown by one of our subscribers, and close friends Alies van den Berg

Here’s our conversation with Rocking the Boat Development Director, Jaye Pockriss

DTM: Give us the rundown on how the virtual RTB is going this year and are the participants only walking or running this year or are they doing other activities like Rowan get home or cycling?

RTB: They are walking, running, rowing, kayaking, sailing, cycling, hiking.  One woman is riding an adult trike because she has multiple sclerosis.  At least two participants are volunteering to encourage voting in the election.  One woman is knitting, another gardening.  Some dudes are golfing.

DTM: Do you have as many participants and donors?

RTB: We have the most participants ever, roughly 200, and they are from more places across the country (Texas, California) capitalizing on the “anywhere and everywhere” aspect of this year’s event.  Going into the final weekend, 1,700 gifts have been received so far, on par with last year.

DTM: With all the many charitable organizations popping up, why would you encourage our readers to support RTB?

RTB: We can go in a couple of directions here…Rocking the Boat’s South Bronx neighborhood, Hunts Point, is in the poorest congressional district in the nation. Students here need comprehensive and sustained services to contend with the disadvantage of under-resourced schools, and the too frequent lack of adequate family support.

Despite having become synonymous with urban decay and pollution, the Bronx boasts some outstanding natural features including the oldest forest and the only true river in New York City. These spaces are home to a wide variety of trees, plants, fish, land animals, and birds. Rocking the Boat programs intimately connects Hunts Point youth to their environment by helping them enjoy it and giving them the skills to care for it.

 

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Leola Specht and Jeff Scales

 

Rocking the Boat students work together to build wooden boats, learn to row and sail, and restore local urban waterways, revitalizing their community while creating better lives for themselves.

Rocking the Boat is committed to helping its participants:

  • Stay in high school until they graduate or receive an equivalency diploma—on average 96% of Rocking the Boat students graduate from high school on time; the rate is an alarming 17.8% in Hunts Point generally
  • Enroll in college or trade school and be prepared academically and emotionally to succeed there—nearly 100% growth in social-emotional competency and enroll in a post-secondary program directly out of high school
  • Develop technical skills such as sailing, boat handling, navigating, chart reading, carpentry, sample collection and testing, scientific observation, and recording data, all of which reinforce STEM concepts and put them into a practical context
  • Develop soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking
Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Team members from Flotsam and Jetsam

DTM: What would you like our readers to know about your organization in order to get them involved?

RTB: Rocking the Boat kept rocking. Virtually, at the onset of the pandemic and on through the summer. We know that the current circumstances could change at any moment, but at the same time, we are excited to have resumed in-person youth development programming as of September 21.  We have confidence that our hands-on boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing experiences are exactly what our participants need right now.  We are lucky that building, rowing, and sailing boats all take place in spaces—a 2,500 square foot shop with 15′ foot ceilings and outdoors on the Bronx River—that offer plenty of space to spread out and fresh air to breathe. Comprehensive distancing and sanitizing procedures are in place and will be strictly enforced to keep everyone safe.

 

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Thom Thacker

 

 

Rocking the Boat engages over 200 teens per year in a series of STEM-based programs that last throughout their high school careers and into college. Participants enter as freshmen and sophomores and choose from one of three programs: Boatbuilding, Environmental Science, or Sailing. They move from being students to paid apprentices to alumni once they graduate high school, at which point they are eligible to work part-time for Rocking the Boat as Program Assistants.

 

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Troy Messenger

 

In addition, roughly 4,000 local residents take part in Rocking the Boat’s free weekend rowing events and school-driven programs, most often through their math and science classes. 200 teens and 4,000 community members per year, this is a huge feat!

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Featured NYC

HUMANS Using their Knowledge and Experience to Defeat this Disease

HUMANS Using their Knowledge and Experience to Defeat this Disease

WE HAVE MADE INCREDIBLE PROGRESS over the last five months.

New York State was the nation’s first epicenter and now we are one of the very few states where COVID is under control. We didn’t just bend the curve, we shattered it—thanks to the effort and smart choices of all New Yorkers.

Total hospitalizations have fallen below 600, reaching record lows. We are testing more than any other state and more than any other country per capita, and thousands of contact tracers are working around the clock to trace and prevent outbreaks. Every community in the state is now in Phase 4 of reopening. Happily, the infection rate has continued to decline even as the whole state entered Phase 4, showing that our cautious and science-based approach to reopening worked.

All this progress, however, comes with a flashing caution sign. Our state still faces two dangerous threats.

The first is the threat of COVID spreading from other states. In response to this threat, we have issued a travel advisory for people coming from states with high COVID rates, but our progress remains at risk until the COVID pandemic is under control nationally.

The second threat is that we become lax and let our guard down, allowing the virus to spread. Unlike the threat from outside infections, this one is in our control. We have the ability and the duty to act responsibly. That means wearing a mask. It means not hosting or attending large and crowded parties. It means getting tested, especially if you have symptoms, and it means cooperating with contact tracers if you are positive for COVID. In brief, it means looking out for one another.

Finally, I know that for all New Yorkers, this has been an extremely trying experience— whether you lost a loved one, a job, or if you continue to lose sleep due to the stress of this pandemic. I mourn with all New Yorkers on behalf of all those lost to this virus, and I share in the anxiety, too.

But we are New York Tough.

I have no doubt that we can continue our progress in our fight against COVID by depending upon the solidarity, strength, and compassion that makes New York New York.

Ever Upward.

A letter from Governor Andrew Cuomo

 

HUMANS Using their Knowledge and Experience to Defeat this DiseaseHUMANS Using their Knowledge and Experience to Defeat this Disease
Larry Silverstein by Joe Woolhead

 

AS A LIFELONG NEW YORKER 

born during the height of the Great Depression, I have watched with utter amazement at how this incredible town has, by sheer force of will, turned itself into a worldwide colossus in business, technology, media, arts, culture, and so much more. differences between the events of 9/11, which unfolded over a span of 102 minutes, and the slow-motion crisis that is the coronavirus. At the same time, there are some striking similarities that provide both a roadmap and a source of optimism for New York’s ultimate recovery. First and foremost is the extreme heroism we are witnessing from our fellow New Yorkers on the front lines.

In 2001, it was the firefighters, police officers, and construction workers who rushed in and did what they could to protect and save complete strangers. As anyone who lived through that period can tell you, their bravery, selflessness and kinship set the tone for the entire recovery and rebuilding effort.

This time around, we are taking our cues from the doctors, nurses, and emergency responders who are serving as the models of courage, grit, and community. In 2001, New Yorkers lined the West Side Highway to salute our first responders. Today, they lean out of their windows at 7 pm each evening to applaud our healthcare workers.

Larry Silverstein, Silverstein Properties

 

HUMANS Using their Knowledge and Experience to Defeat this DiseaseHUMANS Using their Knowledge and Experience to Defeat this Disease
Saul Scherl Howard Hughes Seaport NYC

 

 

LIKE ALL NEIGHBORHOODS IN NEW YORK CITY, Lower Manhattan is pulling together in this time of profound global crisis. We are so proud to be part of this diverse and caring community, and continue to be inspired by the many local organizations and leaders devoted to helping our neighbors survive the pandemic and lay the groundwork for NYC’s economic recovery.

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with nonprofits and organizations providing a lifeline amid these challenges, and we ask all who are able to please join us in supporting

the important efforts of groups like the City Council District 1 Food Pantry, with which we have worked over the past months as part of
an initiative spearheaded by Council Member Margaret Chin to provide meals and groceries to seniors and residents with limited food access; the Bowery Mission, which leads essential hunger relief services in Lower Manhattan and helped to distribute food donated by Seaport District restaurants as they prepared to close

in April; TUFF-LES housing advocates, who continue to provide food to residents in need in our area, including to the Smith Houses and 82 Rutgers Slip; Grand Street Settlement, which has been working to get groceries to vulnerable and elderly residents; and the Chinese-American Planning Council, which runs a vital program for home-bound seniors.

HHC is also committed to supporting the small businesses that fuel the Seaport economy. In partnership with Lower Manhattan property owners and led by the Downtown Alliance, we have established an emergency fund to provide area restaurants emergency cash grants as they get back on their feet.

We especially want to commend the extraordinary first responders and healthcare workers for their ongoing strength and sacrifice. We were pleased to donate PPE to New York Presbyterian-Lower Manhattan and FDNY Fire Engine 6, as well as provide meals from local restaurants to our Sanitation depot at Pier 36 and the NYPD 1st Precinct.

Seeing the work of so many after 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy, and now, on the front lines of this pandemic over the past several months, we are confident that the Seaport and Downtown will emerge stronger, more equitable, and more resilient than ever.

We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure our neighborhood and the city’s recovery.

Saul Scherl Howard Hughes Seaport NYC

Categories
Featured NYC

A Time to Bond – The Finest NYPD

A Time to Bond - The Finest NYPD

OVER THE PAST FIVE MONTHS

The officers who patrol Lower Manhattan not only continued to do their jobs protecting the community under dire circumstances—they deepened their bond with their neighbors. “I’ve worked in the Bronx and Manhattan South and without a doubt, this is the tightest, closest-knit community I’ve ever been a part of,” said Capt. Paul J. Zangrilli, who has commanded the precinct for just over a year.

The precinct commander said he and his officers have worked closely with local business organizations, the community board, store and restaurant owners, and Councilwoman Margaret Chin to educate them on how to best protect their properties and their health—and promote ongoing dialogue.

“In an era where there is clearly significant anti-police sentiment, in this precinct, we feel embraced and trusted,” he said. “Our officers have been made to feel that they are valued in keeping the community safe and flourishing.”

And while recent protests have led to some clashes between uniformed officers and demonstrators, Capt. Zangrilli has made it clear the men and women of the 5th Precinct are steadfast in their duty to serve and protect the protestors as well as the rest of the community.

“We can empathize with each other,” he explained. “We’ve had incredible dialogues with people who support us, and with those who are rallying for change. We know we can always improve.”

Capt. Zangrilli and his officers face down their own fears every day
to go out and patrol the community and continue to keep residents safe despite the threat of infection and possible death.

The marauding virus hit the NYPD early and hard. By May, more than 7,000 officers were reported ill and, by mid-July, 31 had died from the deadly infection.

“We had 16 confirmed cases among our ranks in this precinct alone”

 

A Time to Bond - The Finest NYPD
COMMUNITY SERVICE Captain Paul J. Zangrilli (center, in white shirt), with officers of the 5th Precinct and members of the Chinatown community. 5th Precinct New York- Photo by Andrew Matusik

 

“We had 16 confirmed cases among our ranks in this precinct alone,” Capt. Zangrilli somberly recalled. “The officers were fearful for their families. But they also knew they had to go out there and address the needs of the community more now than ever.”

Of course, precautions needed to be taken. “Patrol cars are disinfected from top to bottom with each tour,” the Captain cautioned. “Masks are worn non-stop. We sometimes hold our role calls outside and everybody was issued gloves and sanitizers. We all understood that we were the most exposed.”

Still, they continued to patrol and, in many cases, provide a new kind
of service to the community. “The pandemic brought a decrease in street crime and an uptick in burglaries,” he said. “So we educated business owners on how to best secure their properties, and we tactically deploy our officers to better respond to the evolving nature of crime in the community.”

And through it all, they continue to work with other essential service workers from Emergency Services to FDNY and other agencies to help New Yorkers survive and thrive in the worst calamity to assault the city since the terror attacks of 9/11.

“In my 15 years on the job I have never been more proud of how our officers have performed,” Capt. Zangrill said. “And we remain committed in our desire to continue to build relationships and to keep this community safe and flourishing. Our officers have done a great job and will continue to do so—despite the challenges.”

Seen in Summer 2020 Essential issue

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Fashion Featured Industry News Miami News NYC

Time Square Fashion Week 2020

By DCG MediaGroup

 

MEDIA RECAP

Jean Shafiroff, NYC Socialite and Philanthropist, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer welcome Guests to Times Square Fashion Week!

 

The first LIVE Event in Father Duffy Square, Times Square since the commence of COVID-19! Times Square Fashion Week takes the famous Father Duffy Square red stairs and makes history by changing the landscape of #NYFW produced by Dee Rivera Founder, DCG Media Group & Fashion Mingle. Throw NYC designs a Fashionable Mask to benefit City Harvest NYC.org

Times Square Fashion Week takes the famous Father Duffy Square red stairs and makes history by changing the landscape of #NYFW. 

New York, NY September 2020 — As the Big Apple is gaining some normalcy day after day, Times Square Fashion Week gave a  taste of the new normal  in the midst of a global pandemic to the fashion industry and brought a glimmer of hope to fashion insiders, designers, and VIPs to the heart of New York City, 

Featuring seven talented designers on deck, as well as key sponsors, key-note speakers, and other creatives artists, this event was a slam dunk on how moving fashion-forward is done.

Times Square Fashion Week is on its second-year debut, the objective was to move fashion forward by spreading the word globally and locally, making sure the message is  #fashionnewyorkstrong. 

During New York Fashion Week, many designers are doing LIVE Stream Virtual Shows showcasing their collections. Times Square Fashion Week took the opportunity to showcase a full-frontal fashion live event at Father Duffy Square NYC! Most importantly, the event was a socially fashion-conscious show with beautiful, antimicrobial masks, designed by Throw NYC which everyone received as they entered.

“We are extremely grateful for all of the talented designers that showcased their work for Times Square Fashion Week as well as our sponsors,  keynote speakers, and VIP guests,” said Dee Rivera., Founder of Times Square Fashion Week and CEO of DCG Media Group

“It took hard work and determination, but we did a LIVE event in the heart of Times Square, which was more than expected. I am very proud of what we accomplished during a global pandemic for NYFW and grateful to my Executive Producer, Melissa Shea of Fashion Mingle who saw my vision and decided to take a leap of faith with me to make this event happen.”

The designers’ collections brought the heart of Times Square a vibe that was much needed since the start of Covid-19. 

Partners included Jean Shafiroff as the Mistress of Ceremony including as well as 

Gale A. Brewer, Manhattan Borough President, provided a phenomenal speech prior to the models walking down the red carpet, where she expressed her thanks to DCG Media Group, Melissa Shea of Fashion Mingle, the Times Square Alliance, City Harvest, THROW Nyc, and even the weatherman for providing beautiful weather for this delightful evening.

The catwalk included designers such as Justin Haynes [JUS10H], who featured a colorful collection full of his eye-catching signature patchwork. Makeup for Haynes’s models had a pop of color which made the outfits stand out.

Cenia Paredes [Cenia NY]featured an array of peacock colors on flowing cocktail gowns that were a Show Stopper and perfect for an outdoor soiree. The makeup on the models was very natural, glowy, and dewy. 

Isabella Barrett [House of Barretti] showcased Chanel style suits which can channel Jackie Kennedy in every Millenial and Gen Xer nowadays. The makeup looks were natural and to the point.

Gloria Lee [Gloria Lee Designs] had an all-white silky long dress with makeup consisting of a pink smokey eye and dramatic white lashes that provided the touch of an angel hitting the runway.

Cherelle Towns [XEVONQUII] showed her model wearing a playful yet colorful two-piece suit that will have you land your next job interview in the blink of an eye. The makeup for her model was natural as well.

Chokomode had two models sporting a wide-leg striped jumpsuit and mid-length one-shoulder dress which also had stripes. These outfits were classy yet sexy and can be worn to a wedding or a night out in the town with the girls.

Kimberly Pucci [Kimberly Pucci Atelier + Vault] featured a chic weekender bag that can be utilized for a mini getaway or even as a gym bag to look chic when entering the locker room.

Afterward, Raven Roberts, Style & Fashion Director of ravenroberts.com, was Times Square Fashion Week’s red carpet host and interviewed Designers and VIP guests.

This amazing event ended with a toast to Times Square Fashion Week, as the event was nothing but phenomenal. Guests mingled and received swag bags containing a bottle of Black Baron Wine, Vera Moore Cosmetics, and an Astouri Designed Mask.

Our finale was breathtaking as everyone strolled to the Times Square billboard and featured our Digital Fashion Show featuring each designer’s collection as well as Ads for all of our sponsors with Naomi Group, Black Baron Wine, Astouri, New York Makeup Academy, and True Model Management.

Stay tuned for our LIVE Virtual Premiere on Globalfashionchannel.com on September 17th at 8 pm EST.

ABOUT DESIGNER

XEVONQUII New York

Cherelle Townes is back at it again, this time with her latest fashion line, Xévonquii, due to launch September 2020. Xévonquii exudes class and its 1920s inspired style will have you wanting to add pieces to your closet immediately. Xévonquii is all about vintage tweed and soft velvets with a heavy influence from Chanel. Townes’ goal is to master one fabric and be known for her iconic use of it. The Richmond, VA native is not new to the fashion industry. 

 

Gloria Lee™ is a womenswear brand that offers dresses that women can wear from day to night.  Inspired by mythology, nature, and history, Gloria Lee™ designs each and every garment with the purpose to highlight women’s innate elegance, beauty, and a touch of drama.  The mission of the company is to deliver style without polluting or damaging our ecosystem. It starts with the promise of creating beautiful collections with natural fibers and embodying production processes (ex: Zero-Waste pattern-making, manufactured locally) that are least harmful to our ecosystem. 

 

JUS10H

International Fashion Designer Justin Haynes, is CEO and founder of JUS10H; specializing in men, women, and children’s clothing. Justin’s modern vintage designs are featured at local, national, and international shows—from his native Springfield, Massachusetts’ runway to the Fashion Weeks of New York, Los Angeles, Chattanooga, Miami, Paris, and Milan. Justin has taken patchwork to a whole new level. Creating clean, tailored garments on a signature level resulting in numerous requests to create trademark looks for the Oscars 2020. 

House Of Barretti

House of Barretti is a worldwide leader in Custom 2 Piece Suits for the sophisticated Tween, Teen, and Young Adult.  Successful Teen entrepreneur, spokes Model, TV Actress and one of the youngest millionaires in the USA. She has worked with Young Entrepreneurs across the country building brands and has several successful brands including a skincare, haircare and teen suit line under the House of Barretti label. Isabella Produces a fun IGTV show called Business with Bella and is about to release a book Teens Guide to Business. 

Chokomode is a unique clothing line offering individual collections of rich quality fabric for today’s professional woman whether at work or at play. We are passionate about creating indelible first impressions for the style-functional woman. Our clothing is designed for authority and power while embracing the soft and sexy femininity within every woman. Chokomode as a fashion brand symbolizes the essence of the well-dressed woman while offering a high-quality collection of fashion items built for the success and lifestyle of the modern working woman. Our designs are classy, sophisticated, and elegant yet boast a figure-flattering tailored fit.

CENIA New York: Cenia caters to the woman who embraces her curves, is sassy, self-secure, and wants to look tastefully sexy and radiant no matter what size or body shape. In 2011, Cenia was chosen among 900 companies as one of the 22 participants of TheWorkshop At Macy’s, and she was one of 4 vendors chosen to launch her product in selected stores. Since then Cenia has expanded her distribution to specialty stores globally and has expanded her line to include a highly successful denim line with her patent-pending Cenia Convi Jean. In the Spring of 2016, Cenia’s debuted on Shopping Life 24 in Russia and HSN in the USA.

Kimberly Pucci 

Now, with Kimberly Pucci Atelier and Kimberly Pucci Vault, her artistic sensibility and unparalleled expertise have found their ultimate expression. “I am living my passion,” she says. “Building relationships with my clients, and my artisans, based on uncompromising quality and integrity. It’s a dream come true.” Kimberly Pucci was planning to become a lawyer, but a fateful junior year abroad at the Università degli Studi di Firenze changed everything. “Florence stopped me in my tracks,” she recalls. “Everywhere I turned I was inspired, whether it was food, wine, art, or just the culture of living la dolce vita.” Her host family included artisans who handcrafted frames for Renaissance paintings at the Uffizi Gallery—and she was hooked. 

ABOUT OUR TEAM

Founder/Executive Producer

Dee Rivera, Latina Entrepreneur, Founder of DCG Media Group, and Times Square Fashion Week has over nearly 20 years of fashion production and public relations experience. She has worked with some of the most recognizable fashion, beauty, luxury, lifestyle brands, and celebrities in the world. With a vision to create a fashion week that can be celebrated around the world, during Covid-19, Times Square Fashion Week was born. 

 

Media Partner/ Executive Producer

Melissa Shea is the Founder of Fashion Mingle, a global network for fashion industry professionals.  Our mission is to build a revolutionary platform that will fuel the growth of local fashion communities creating economic opportunities for all.

Fashion Mingle has over 5,000 members in 100+ industry categories, creating a global hub for collaboration and commerce.

KeyNote Speaker-CoSponsor-Gale A. Brewer is the 27th and current President of the New York City borough of Manhattan and a Democratic politician from the state of New York. She was a member of the New York City Council, where she represented the Upper West Side and the northern part of Clinton in Manhattan

 

Mistress Of Ceremonies

Jean Shafiroff is an American philanthropist, author, advocate, and socialite. Shafiroff serves on the boards of several charitable organizations and has been honored by the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, NYC Mission Society, The Jewish Board, The Hadassah, Surgeons of Hope, and more. She is the host of the television show “Successful Philanthropy” on LTV.

 

 

A portion of the proceeds plus our Times Square Fashion Week Face Mask will benefit City Harvest. City Harvest is New York’s first and largest food rescue organization, helping to feed millions of New Yorkers who struggle to put meals on their tables. This year, we will rescue 109 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food and deliver it — free of charge — to more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, community partners, and our own Mobile Markets across the five boroughs. We work alongside our community partners to boost community capacity, expand nutrition education, and strengthen local food systems. For more than 35 years, City Harvest has always been there to feed our city — one day, one meal, one New Yorker at a time.

 

Global Fashion Channel has become the Official Live Stream Channel for Times Square Fashion Week. Around the

world, enthusiasts have access to the Global Fashion Channel platform. Their app is free to download and available for Android devices, including TV apps for Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire TV. In addition, their content will be redistributed via numerous networks, satellites, and cable providers worldwide. Currently, there are over 15 million monthly views. Global Fashion Channel as the Official Live Stream Global Channel streaming

Times Square Fashion Week, Fashion Mingle Globally on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon.

MASK DESIGNED by THROW NYC

THROW NYC

Fashion can be transformative, and at THROW we take that notion to heart. THROW takes designer and industrial materials that have served a purpose, then transforms them through re-design into something beautiful and new again. From surplus designer fabric left at the cutting room to giant vinyl trade show banners destined for landfill, THROW diverts excess from the supply chain and gives it new life. THROW’s focus is on up-cycling rather than recycling. What’s the difference? Recycling generally goes more downstream (think designer jeans recycled into insulation, or elegant writing paper turned into egg cartons)

 

 

PARTNERS

Categories
Business Dining Featured Restaurants Travel

The Flavor of Adapting in a Strange Age: The Original Hotdog Factory

Aaron Anderson chowing down on a Original Hotdog Factory hotdog.

Around the corner from the Liberty Bell, The Bourse Food Hall is adapting to COVID-19. The 130-year-old commodities-exchange-turned-food-hall, well known as a gathering for good food and good variety, has removed their chairs from indoor tables. If you want to sit and eat, there are tables set up outside. The lines are marked with social distancing diamonds that read “STAND ON THIS JAWN” (jawn is Philadelphian for “thingamajig”). 

Last week, The Bourse is welcomed a new vendor: The Original Hotdog Factory. Any other time, this might be routine. The Original Hotdog Factory franchise specializes in a wide variety of hotdogs alongside wings, fried Oreos, and other delicious goodies. During COVID, though, opening any new food location is an aberration. But for franchise owner Aaron Anderson this is nothing new.

Anderson is quiet and friendly. For a man with a dozen successful businesses, including 5 Original Hotdog Factory locations in Philadelphia, he carries himself like a mom and pop shop owner–a modest smile, quiet voice, and focused attention. But he dreams big, including owning a sports team (his first choice is the Philadelphia 76ers) and running for office in Philadelphia.

This is the second Original Hotdog Factory that he has opened since COVID hit Philly. 

Technically, it’s his third. 

Anderson opened his fourth location in February of 2020, right before COVID. The location focused on indoor seating, and the sudden desertion of foot traffic drove it to extinction in weeks. So Anderson turned around and reopened in a new location in March. This time, he focused on takeout. He reached out to first responders and offered meals and services with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House. And the store thrived.

If other companies want to survive, he says, they’ll have to adapt. “Pivot in everything that you know. You’ve just got to change it…Stay focused no matter what. Times are definitely tough, but if you stay strong and sustain (then) on the other side is success for sure.” It is also, he says, about who has your back, including yourself. “It’s just being self-motivated and having a strong support team that keeps you motivated, and that’s always got your back.”

The next time you’re in Philadelphia, you can stop by The Original Hotdog Factory in the Bourse Food Hall, now open for business. Top options to check out at the Bourse location include the Surf n Turf (beef hotdog with crab meat), Fire Dog (loaded with peppers), and a damn fine Coney Dog. You’ll have to leave the Hall to eat them, but it will be worth the extra steps when you order the deep-fried twinkie for dessert. 

Categories
Lifestyle News NYC Travel

Why You Should Book an Employee Shuttle Service for Your Business

Although many employees in NYC have started to return to the workplace, people are understandably still hesitant to take public transportation. If your business needs a team working on-site, an employee shuttle service offers a safe way to get everyone to the office while avoiding contact with large crowds. 

Here are a few reasons your company may want to opt for an employee shuttle service during these difficult times. And if any of these reasons are convincing to you, Easy Charter Bus can help you find the private buses and minibusses your company needs. Just give them a call at 718-502-9983 to arrange your private shuttle service. 

1. A shuttle is safer than public transportation.

Public buses and trains carry thousands of people each day, and you have no control over how often they’re cleaned. On a private shuttle, your employees will only be exposed to people they already work with, and you can decide whether to require masks and temperature checks for all passengers. 

Easy Charter Bus only works with highly professional, certified drivers, and your driver will wear a mask and sanitize all high-touch surfaces regularly. You can also choose the size of your bus to allow for social distancing. Have 25 employees in need of a shuttle but want a 56-person bus so everyone has an empty seat next to them? They can do that. 

2. Shuttles follow your preferred route and schedule. 

Even during normal times, a shuttle can go to destinations the subway may not reach. If you have employees who live in Sunnyside but your office is in Midtown Manhattan, a shuttle can pick them up and take them straight to the office, with no bus or train transfers required. 

A private charter bus also runs on your schedule. No more worrying about the A breaking down during rush hour or the 4 closings for repairs at night when many of your employees work third shift. Let Easy Charter Bus know when you need the shuttle and where you’d like it to go, and they’ll create a route and schedule that will work for you. 

 

Why You Should Book an Employee Shuttle Service for Your Business

 

3. Your employees can relax on a shuttle. 

The subway isn’t designed for individual comfort, especially during rush hour. When you offer a private shuttle service, your employees don’t have to squeeze in between hundreds of people and spend the entire trip standing. Your private charter bus will have enough seats for everyone, and you can request reclining seats if your employees want to nap or relax on the way to work.

Got coworkers who need to stay productive? You can ask for power outlets and WiFi so they can answer emails or finish up presentations while heading to the office. And no one has to fear standing on a freezing cold or boiling hot subway platform while waiting for a train—all of the buses in our network have climate control to keep your team comfortable. 

4. Shuttles keep employees happy and appeal to new recruits.

New York City has one of the most competitive job markets in the world. If you want to attract and retain highly qualified employees, you’re going to have to offer more than just health insurance. A shuttle can help improve your employees’ quality of life by keeping them comfortable during their 30- or 45-minute commute to work. They’ll have time to listen to a podcast or read a book without being jostled by their neighbors or using up their data.

 

A shuttle service also offers a great way to stand out when searching for new talent. People who aren’t native to NYC may be hesitant to navigate several trains and buses, especially in the midst of COVID-19, and driving in New York can be an intimidating prospect. By offering a shuttle service, you can promise your employees clean, private, easy-to-use transportation. 

Set Up an Employee Shuttle Service in NYC

If you decide an employee shuttle bus service may be right for your team, Easy Charter Bus can help. They live up to their name when it comes to helping businesses set up employee shuttle services. Just call 718-502-9983 and let them know how many people you need to transport, when and where you need a shuttle, and which amenities you’d like. They’ll set up a long-term contract that works for you.