Community Corner

Gov Shutdown Continues; Sports Games

A look at what's happening today in Northport.

Good morning, Northport. Here's a look at what's happening today in town.

Day Two of Government Shutdown
The government shutdown continues today, as numerous Long Island Federal employees are are furloughed. 

Here are a few ways in which the shutdown may affect Northport residents:

  • Small business loans: SBA will stop approving applications for small businesses to obtain loans and loan guarantees to hire and expand their businesses.  In a typical month, SBA approves over $1 billion in loan assistance to small businesses.
  • Veterans Services: Most services offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue because of advance appropriations for the VA’s health programs. Veterans will still be able to visit hospitals for inpatient care, get mental health counseling at vet centers or get prescriptions filled at VA health clinics. Operators will still staff the crisis hotline and claims workers will process payments to cover disability and pension benefits, but no decisions on claims appeals or motions will be issued by the Board of Veterans Appeals and hotlines that help with issues such as education benefits, Agent Orange and Headstones and Markers will be suspended.
  • Benefit Payments: Social Security and Medicare benefits will keep coming, but there could be delays in processing new disability applications. Unemployment benefits would still go out.
  • Home loans: Many low-to-moderate income borrowers and first-time homebuyers seeking government-backed mortgages could face delays during the shutdown. The Federal Housing Administration, which guarantees about 30 percent of home mortgages, will not underwrite or approve any new loans during the shutdown.
  • Taxes: Americans will still have to pay their taxes and file federal tax returns, but the IRS says it will suspend all audits and shut down taxpayer services, including toll-free help lines.
Is the government shutdown affecting your job? Email the editor at amanda.lindner@patch.com for a possible story in Commack Patch.

Girls Volleyball and Field Hockey Games
The Northport girls varsity volleyball team will verse Half Hollow Hills East today at 5:45 p.m. in the home gym. The field hockey team will take on Ward Melville at 4:15 p.m.

Northport Psychic and Mediumship Development Class
Ever wondered if you could have psychic abilities? A psychic and mediumship development class will take place today at the Offices of Winter Brook at 171 Main St., Northport at 7:30 p.m. Topics to be covered include various types of mediumship and psychic abilities, energy healing, raising your vibration among others. The $200 fee covers eight classes. Contact (631) 261-9300 or email winter@winterbrookmedium.com for more information.




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