The federal energy assistance program that helps New Yorkers with low incomes stay cool in the summer has run out of funds, just 24 days into what’s projected to be a record-breaking summer season.

The program, known as the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is administered by the state and city and provides emergency and non-emergency cooling services for years to tens of thousands of seniors and households with low incomes. However, on July 14, the New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) stated that it would not be accepting new applications for assistance this summer due to the exhaustion of cooling assistance funds.

“We’re frustrated because we’ve been saying that the cooling assistance program has needed more money for a very long time, and the cooling assistance funding has run out before,” says Sonal Jessel, director of Policy for WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a nonprofit advocacy organization. “And so, how come we’re not learning from mistakes?”

The funding for LIHEAP had been instrumental in providing eligible low-income New Yorkers and seniors and people with documented medical conditions, who are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, with a one-time installation of an air conditioner or fan. Many community organizations and city agencies have advocated for the program to go further by providing additional support for paying energy bills during the summer.

“One A/C often isn’t enough for a family of four, for example,” Jessel says. “You’re picking the room to be cool in.” New Jersey, by comparison, provides a $300 subsidy for LIHEAP participants to pay utility bills, “so we know it can be done,” she adds.

Extreme heat poses a significant health risk, particularly to people in marginalized communities. Heat-related illnesses are deadlier than extreme floods, hurricanes, and storms combined — with mortality rates more than twice as high among Black New Yorkers and an estimated 350 New Yorkers dying prematurely because of hot weather each year. Neighborhoods that are predominantly Black, brown or poor tend to experience higher temperatures and the least shielding from heat. 

To stay safe during the summer, it is important to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and take prompt action. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying hydrated, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting and breathable clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours in the early afternoons. Taking frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas and being mindful of the signs of heat-related illness symptoms is essential for everyone’s well-being during hot weather. 

In the last fiscal year, $23 million was allocated to assist 23,936 New York households with cooling, with 8,860 of those households in NYC. This year’s allocation of just $15 million has so far reached 9,722 households, including 3,293 in the city. The decrease in funding has raised concerns among some advocates who argue that more financial support is needed to ensure that vulnerable communities are adequately protected from the dangers of extreme heat.

The cooling component of LIHEAP’s budget makes up just 4% of the program’s total, compared to 50% allocated for heating assistance in cooler months. Efforts by environmental and community advocacy organizations, along with New York City agencies, have been ongoing to increase funding for cooling assistance programs. They have pushed for expanded benefits during the summer, such as providing a small monthly subsidy of $40 from May to September to help low-income New Yorkers better afford air conditioning bills. The city’s health department, among others, has also pushed for the health condition stipulation to be dropped, a requirement that was waived during the pandemic. 

Despite efforts to secure additional funding, legislative progress has been slow. Last October, the program received $1 billion in temporary funding, which benefited thousands of New York households. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said at the time that he sought to get an additional $4 billion for the final budget. A bill re-introduced by Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) earlier this year to provide more support for the program remains stalled in the Senate.

“It is unacceptable that New York has already run out of funds for cooling this summer, the hottest on record,” Congressman Bowman told the Amsterdam News. “Funding for LIHEAP is an economic and racial justice issue. Failure to sufficiently fund it will disproportionately impact Black, Latino, and Indigenous households, all of whom already experience higher energy burdens. We hear from constituents in my district every day about their struggle to pay their energy bills, and they deserve relief.”

Jessel says that this isn’t the first time that cooling assistance funds have run out before the end of summer, and the city and state are responsible for stepping in when federal funds aren’t enough to ensure that New Yorkers who need the program are able to stay cool.

“The state has not learned over the years of the money running out that we need more money to support people,” she says. “If it’s running out, that means there’s a need.”

Correction: The story has been corrected to say that those eligible for energy assistance include seniors and people with documented medical conditions exacerbated by high temperatures. The original story stated that eligibility included seniors who have documented medical conditions exacerbated by high temperatures.

The post Rising Temps and Falling Support: State Cooling Assistance Funds Already Spent appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

This one’s for the theater kids—literally. The Broadway League has announced the return of Kids’ Night on Broadway (KNOB), a program welcoming kids and teens ages 18 and under to participating Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. 

For the first time since its inception in 1996, KNOB will debut a summer schedule presented by The New York Times, kicking off on Tuesday, August 29. 

RECOMMENDED: Complete A-Z listing of Broadway shows in NYC

“It’s going to be a lively summer in the city as we present Kids’ Night on Broadway this August. We look forward to welcoming kids, teens, and their families to visit one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods, the Theatre District for a fun-filled evening of dining and attending a Broadway show,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “Since 1996, Kids’ Night on Broadway has welcomed 190,000 kids and families to experience the thrill of live theatre, many for the very first time and what we hope will turn into a lifetime love of Broadway.”

Seventeen shows are included in the KNOB summer slate, including this year’s Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo. Check out the full list of participating productions below:

A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical
Aladdin
Back to the Future: The Musical
Chicago
The Cottage
Hadestown
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Here Lies Love
Kimberly Akimbo
The Lion King
MJ The Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Once Upon a One More Time
Shucked
SIX*
Some Like it Hot
Wicked

*Due to the show’s performance schedule, SIX will take place on Wednesday evening, August 30

Along with free access to world-class live productions, a Kids’ Night on Broadway ticket includes special in-theatre activities such as sing-alongs, talkbacks, art projects, educational programs more. And if you want to add the dinner portion to the whole “dinner and a show” experience, select restaurants will be offering exclusive discounts (typically offer a free entrée for each child accompanied by an adult who purchases a regularly priced entrée) throughout the evening, including Bacall’s, Havana Central and Mermaid Oyster Bar. 

To score the free ticket, simply purchase a pair of tickets on the Kids’ Night on Broadway website—one for you and one for a child aged 18 and under. As it’s a two-for-one ticket offer, each ticket will print at half price.

* This article was originally published here

Get ready to unleash your creativity and step into your artistic journey, right here in NYC! It’s no secret that our city is full of culture…from art exhibits and museums to even outdoor public art on view! But if you want to take things into your own hands, we have some places you can do it! From serene studios tucked away in charming neighborhoods to renowned institutions, here’s where to find the best painting classes in NYC right now!

1. Unarthodox’s Immersive Painting Experiences

Unarthodox offers “painting experiences” rather than painting classes, which are immersive experiences using the arts. Their most popular one, A Night With Picasso, allows visitors to create their own paintings inspired by Picasso. Surrounded by music, aromas, and moving visuals of Picasso’s incredible works, you’re able to create a masterpiece of your own.

Their other painting experiences include Intuitive Art, a sensory painting experience as well as a traditional Paint and Sip.

Buy tickets to A Night With Picasso here!

Buy tickets to Intuitive Art here!

Where: 547 W 27th St #300

2. Happy Medium

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This unique art cafe located in the Two Bridges neighborhood of Manhattan is not your typical cafe. Once you arrive, they’ll hand you a menu of art experiences that you can choose from, ranging from $15-24! Customers can pick from all sorts of classes, including late night “Art Noir” sessions and still life watercolor classes…among many more! It’s open on weekends only (Friday and Saturday 12-11pm/Sundays 12-9pm) and requires a reservation through their Instagram DMs. Learn more here.

Where: 49 Market St

3. The Arts Student League of New York

The painting classes at The Art Students League of New York are one of the most affordable opportunities for artists to have access to studio space in the heart of NYC. Their 100+ studio classes offer flexible arrangements for all skill levels, with variation in instructors and curriculums. Some instructors even very well-known, like Sharon Sprung who painted the official White House portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama or James Little who was included in the 2022 Whitney Biennial. If you’re looking to master the craft with regimented programs, this is your best bet. Check out all of their classes and workshops here!

Where: 215 W 57th St

4. Paint ‘N Pour

Paint ‘N Pour in the Lower East Side takes paint parties to a whole new level. They’ve taken the “drink and paint” class concept and stepped it up another notch. With their boozy painting classes, you can enjoy booming playlists, chef-curated bites, and an open bar all while you go to town on your canvas! Classes are 2 hours long and private sessions for large groups are available too. Learn more and see classes here.

Where: 53 Delancey St

5. RESOBOX

This cultural center and studio in the East Village is a hub for Japanese culture, and it’s reflected in their painting classes. Their Japanese Ink Painting Class in particular is one of their most popular because you’ll learn how to ink paint using the ancient art of Sumi-e. However, they offer all kinds of Japanese classes here too like sushi-making and origami.

Buy tickets to the Japanese Ink Painting Class here!

Where: 91 E 3rd St

6. The Art Studio NY

Many highly regard The Art Studio NY as the best in NYC and it’s because of their limitless range of classes! Their classes aim to have customers “explore authentic self-expression, creativity and artistic techniques”…whether they are picking up a brush for the first time or the thousandth. This art school does it all, including adult classes, children art birthday parties, corporate event classes, private lessons, virtual classes, and more! Plus, the sessions range in style from watercolor to acryllic and beyond. See classes and learn more here.

Where: 145 W 96th St #1B

7. Painting Lounge

Painting Lounge’s classes are BYOB and hours of fun and laughs! With the help of an instructor, you can sit back, relax, and learn how to paint the evening’s featured work. It’s stress-free, therapeutic, and an easy way to tap into your creative side. Plus, whether you want to plan it as a date night or just go solo, it’s great for just about any occasion. Sessions are typically 2 hours but can run up to 3 hours depending on the booking. See classes and learn more here.

Where:

Chelsea – 39 West 14th St, Suite 401

Midtown – 40 West 38th St, 2nd Floor

Harlem – 15 West 116th St

Williamsburg – 309 Roebling St, Brooklyn

8. The Paint Place

The Paint Place on the Upper West Side is another studio that has a little bit of everything! No matter what kind of painting class you’re looking for in the city, they probably have it. From casual paint and sip options to family painting excursions, you can surely find some entertainment here. Check out their calendar of upcoming happenings here.

Where: 243 W 72nd St

The post 8 Best Painting Classes In NYC You Should Sign Up For appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here