By Staff

May 13, 2020: Eight weeks ago, many of us thought that zoom simply meant "to go fast." We had never heard of a video conferencing technology called Zoom, even though the company launched in 2013 and went public in 2019. Now, Zoom, the company, is a staple in many of our lives.  

We find ourselves or our children in Zoom classes, Zoom meetings, Zoom yoga, Zoom mindfulness, Zoom cocktails, Zoom cook-offs, Zoom Easter gatherings, Zoom birthday parties, Zoom college tours, Zooming with grandparents and friends, and more. 

Some of us are even connecting more often with faraway friends and family because of Zoom. It's fun to see people's faces when talking with them, and it feels more like you're with them. And Zoom is so easy, particularly for the non-tech savvy. All you need to do is click on a link. There is no learning curve, and there are free accounts for the limited user.  

According to the New York Times, "At least 200 million of us, desperate to see people outside our homes, now use Zoom, up from 10 million a few months ago."

It should be said that over the past couple of months, everything has not been smooth sailing for Zoom. It has experienced security and privacy issues, which the company says it is addressing. 

One of the fun aspects of Zoom is "Zoom Backgrounds." Normally, if you are on Zoom, the people you are meeting with can see you in your living room or kitchen or wherever you are sitting. But, some people now put up special backgrounds (Zoom backgrounds) behind them instead. 

New York City friends who live in a small apartment might put up a background of a palatial duplex with a huge outdoor terrace and view of Central Park, just for fun. If you have a cluttered room, a Zoom background of a neat and tidy office might be just what you need for your work meeting.

You can find Zoom backgrounds to download in many different places. According to Slashgear.com, a site "dedicated to highlighting the latest and greatest in personal technology since 2005," the top 5 searches for Zoom backgrounds in Spring 2020 were the Seinfeld set, Parks & Recreation scenes, the Simpsons, Star Wars, and the Office.

Some networks like HBO and Fox have Zoom backgrounds on their websites, as does Disney Parks.

Colleges are even sharing zoom backgrounds. For example, Harvard College offers Zoom backgrounds for newly admitted students.

Many travel sites also offer free Zoom backgrounds of beautiful destinations from around the world. Here are some pretty ones from Virtuoso.com

Are you having a virtual birthday party? There are Zoom backgrounds for that. Check out the American Greetings website.

But the best backgrounds of all might be the pictures that you take yourself! 

We've entered a new world with many challenges but also with new ways to creatively connect with friends, family and colleagues.

Photos by J. Murrer and S. Clifford

By Leah Caro, President, Bronxville Chamber of Commerce

May 6, 2020: The Board of Directors of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce met via Zoom on April 24 to discuss its efforts to support and inform all business owners and residents about all things COVID-19.

Executive Director Shannon Gangemi has worked tirelessly to provide timely information to its members and others about developments in SBA programs, and how to get assistance, plus broadcasts about merchant offerings and availability, on its website and through email blasts. Nicki Piercy Coddington of Big Dog Design has been instrumental in getting the Chamber’s message out clearly and effectively on its website.

Ms. Gangemi reported that the Gift Card program has generated approximately $13,000 for our local merchants. The program allows anyone to purchase a gift card in any amount from any participating merchant directly from the Chamber’s website, including from merchants who have their e-commerce platforms.

Board Member Yoita Korinoiotu, owner of the Bronxville Diner, was delighted to share that NY Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital ordered 255 meals a day for three days for its doctors, nurses, and other hospital workers. Other local restaurants have also been contacted to supply meals to the front-line hospital workers.

The Bronxville Farmers Market, usually a Saturday morning staple from April to November, is working with the Village to develop a plan to allow its opening in May so that Hudson Valley farmers and local consumers can benefit.

Scott Edlitz, of Booskerdoo Coffee, pointed out that supporting retail and restaurant merchants is tangible and pretty easy to do, but that our myriad service industries are hurting as well.

The real estate brokerages, law firms, investment companies, insurance providers, and technology support platforms that routinely give back to local events and charities are more cumbersome to support during this down-turn. Scott’s recommendation (and it’s a great one!) is to take this time to write rave reviews on Yelp, Zillow, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media.

And finally, Chamber of Commerce President Leah Caro reminds us that Bronxville Village is a remarkable place, with generous residents, and stead-fast business owners. Indeed, we are in this together and she urges your continued support of local retail shops, restaurants, and service providers so that we can continue to thrive and grow.

Please make sure to visit the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce website at www.bronxvillechamber.org for information for business owners, residents,

Photo by N. Bower

Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.