— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe during these difficult times. Please find below the latest COVID-19 related updates and resources and stay informed.

This past week, protesters in Bayside marched peacefully from Fort Totten to Bell Boulevard as part of the national movement spurred by the heinous murder of George Floyd. Civil and focused protests like these serve to further the conversation and, I believe, will catalyze necessary change. At the same time, we will never condone criminal behavior of any kind, and that is why we continue to work with our local precincts to ensure safety for all.

Now is the time to listen, understand, and work together to make a positive difference. For this reason, I am asking everyone to refrain from sharing online any unverified information or inflammatory comments, which should never be shared and only serve to stoke fear and anger in our communities and cause division at a time when we need to be united. Let us be vigilant stewards for our neighborhoods in the knowledge that many are looking for critical information, not unfounded accusations or hearsay.

We are in constant contact with community leaders and the 109th and 111th Precincts and will share verified information with the community as it is confirmed. As always, my office is available to listen to your questions and concerns. Please stay healthy and safe as we find a way through these times together, and let us find strength in our compassion and be united in our love for our community, our country, and one another.

As my staff and I continue to work on behalf of Northeast Queens, my office can be reached at 718-619-8611 or [email protected]. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone
 
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Peaceful Marches in Northeast Queens

It was excellent speaking with a group of young people assembled at Francis Lewis Park on Thursday. Great to see local clergy participate and thanks to our local 109th Precinct officers for their positive presence.

During the week, peaceful protests and marches also took place in College Point, Bay Terrace and Bayside, and at the Cross Island Parkway overpass at Clintonville Street. Peaceful protesters must be protected and given a safe venue for their voices to be heard.

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Man Seen Threatening Peaceful Protesters in Whitestone Arrested and Charged

Early last week, video of a man brandishing knives and threatening peaceful protesters with his vehicle at the overpass at Clintonville Street and the Cross Island Parkway in Whitestone began to circulate on social media. My office immediately contacted the local 109th Precinct, who began an investigation into the incident.

Shortly after, the individual, Frank Cavalluzzi, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, and menacing. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has promised he will be prosecuted to fullest extent of the law.

Threats of violence and racial harassment are not, and will not be, tolerated, and these disturbing actions do not represent our community. I thank the 109th Precinct and the Queens DA for their work to bring this dangerous individual to justice.

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

"Reopening NYC in a safe and savvy manner"

" To the relief of many, Monday, June 8 will mark the beginning of the “new normal” for New York City, with up to 400,000 construction, manufacturing and retail workers returning to work under Gov. Cuomo’s phase one guidelines, but a few City Council members still question whether the process can be done in a way that adequately protects their constituents from contracting the coronavirus.

“Health comes first, but then you have to look at how we get back to an economy that’s basically collapsed — what will it look like if we keep waiting? How do we jeopardize a healthy New York?” Councilmember Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) told the Chronicle May 26. Vallone tested positive for COVID-19 in early April, and understands the “treacherous journey” of contracting the virus. “I know how nervous we are about reintroducing the community and getting back to work.”

...

“We need to channel our energies to areas that we know best — where we shopped, where we spent our money and time with our families — get them healthy, reopened and get the public back. That’s what we need to do whenever that magic opening is,” Vallone said.

One of the ways to achieve the reopening, according to Vallone, is for the public to accept their social responsibility to get tested. De Blasio announced on June 2 that universal testing would be available to all New Yorkers through the The Test & Trace Corps initiative by visiting nyc.gov/CovidTest or by calling 311 to find the testing site nearest them. Additionally, 1,700 contact tracers were deployed from neighborhoods across the city, with particular emphasis on those hardest hit by the virus, to manage, track and recall contacts of confirmed COVID-positive cases. "

Read the full article at the Queens Chronicle

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Face Mask Distribution in Bay Terrace

Happy to team up with State Senator John Liu's office to distribute face masks to residents at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center on Friday afternoon. Please continue to stay safe and well and use proper social distancing as we begin to reopen NYC!

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ICYMI: Vallone Launches Northeast Queens

Drive-In Movie Series

On May 27, I was happy to announce the first in a series of drive-in movies that will provide Northeast Queens families with safe summer fun during the warmer months!

Tickets for the first screened movie — Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, presented on June 19th at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center — sold out in a matter of hours! I want to thank Cord Meyer Development and the Queens Chamber of Commerce for partnering with my office to make the June 19th event a reality.

We are overwhelmed by the positive response and are in the process of planning future drive-in movie dates. Please stay tuned and read more about the series in the articles below!

Queens Courier

Queens Post

Patch

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Sixth Annual Independence Day

Fireworks Show at Ft. Totten

It is with a heavy heart I announce that our Sixth Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show and Celebration at Fort Totten on June 25 is cancelled. While disappointing, this decision is in the best interest of public health, which is priority number one.

We look forward to bringing the community together in celebration with a bigger and better celebration in 2021, and I hope to see you and your families this summer at our Northeast Queens Drive-In Movie Series!

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WJPS Helps Our Local Diners!

A group of 10th graders at WJPS wanted to do something to help our neighborhood eateries and came up with Diner Dash Bingo! Find more information on the flyers below, and if you are able, support their fundraiser for No Kid Hungry. Well done!

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New Guidance for COVID-19 Testing

NYS is increasing COVID19 testing capacity and has issued NEW GUIDANCE for New Yorkers seeking tests.

Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 shall be authorized by a health care provider when:

An individual is symptomatic or has a history of symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, and/or trouble breathing), particularly if the individual is 70 years of age or older, the individual has a compromised immune system, or the individual has an underlying health condition

OR, An individual has had close (i.e. within six feet) or proximate contact with a person known to be positive with COVID-19

OR, An individual is subject to a precautionary or mandatory quarantine

OR, An individual is employed as a health care worker, first responder, or other essential worker who directly interacts with the public while working

OR, An individual presents with a case where the facts and circumstances – as determined by the treating clinician in consultation with state or local department of health officials – warrant testing

OR, An individual is included under other criteria set by the NYS Dept. of Health based on an individual's geographic place of residence, occupation, or other factors that the Department may deem relevant for COVID-19 testing purposes

OR, Any individual who would return to workplace in Phase 1

Find a full list of criteria for diagnostic testing and local testing sites here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

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Food Pantry Assistance

Our local food pantries in College Point, Flushing and Whitestone are offering assistance to hundreds of families and need our help. Please donate if you are able and spread the word! Thank you CEC D25!

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College Point Residents Organize Fundraiser to Deliver Meals

As our City continues to battle the effects of COVID-19, Northeast Queens residents continue to organize and offer a helping hand. College Point residents Jennifer Shannon, Cathy Shannon, James & Kathryn Cervino, and Margaret Loughlin have launched a fundraiser to help take care of College Point essential workers who are on the frontlines of the Covid-19 crisis, as well as struggling residents who are in need of food.

Organizers write: "We are raising funds to provide lunch as a thank you to the staff of Waterview Nursing Home, Woodcrest Nursing Home and Cliffside Nursing Home (where 16 residents have died from Covid-19). Funds will also purchase food for College Point's only active food pantry, which is serving many more individuals as a result of Covid-19."

I was proud to contribute to this local effort. Please offer a helping hand if you are able!

Find more information on GoFundMe

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Please note the following City and State guidelines and determinations:

NYC is on track to begin reopening tomorrow, June 8th, with Phase 1. Non-essential workers must continue to stay home. Social distancing rules remain in place.
All NYS K-12 schools and college facilities will remain closed for the rest of the academic year and will continue to provide distance learning through the summer. Full information at schools.nyc.gov/summer
Effective April 17, all New Yorkers must wear a cloth face covering or a mask when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Gov. Cuomo announces for tenants:
-Ban of late fees for renters who miss payments.

-Ability to put security deposit toward rent

-Extention of ban on evictions through August 20
New York State will begin expanding testing criteria to include first responders, health care workers and essential workers.
DOE schools will continue Remote Learning. The Mayor has signaled that school buildings will not reopen for instruction for the rest of the 2019-20 school year. Students who need devices for online learning should request them here.
U.S. SBA has resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications and these loans are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. See more and apply here
All New Yorkers will be able to vote via absentee ballot for the June 23rd election and will automatically recieve an application in the mail. See more at vote.nyc.
All non-essential businesses statewide will be closed until further notice.
Non-essential construction statewide has been suspended to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Casinos, gyms, theaters, retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys are closed until further notice. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.
All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are still banned.
Alternate Side Parking will resume for one week, 5/18 to 5/24, for street cleaning. NYCASP will then be suspended again from 5/25 to 6/7.

For the duration of the outbreak, the following precautions are strongly encouraged to keep you and your family healthy:

Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds every time, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Do not touch your face unless you recently washed your hands.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.
When in public, practice social distancing of at least six feet from others.
If you are an older adult or have a chronic health conditions, avoid unnecessary gatherings.
Most importantly, #StaySafeStayHome!

Healthy or sick, all New Yorkers must stay home unless they are essential workers or need urgent health care.

We will continue to share the latest updates and resources with the community as they are reported to help ensure everyone stays informed. Follow our Facebook and Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving COVID-19 situation at https://now.ny.gov/page/s/coronavirus-updates.

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Northeast Queens Strong!

Our healthcare workers and first responders are working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and Northeast Queens continues to find new and creative ways to rise and support our essential workers on the front lines fighting this pandemic every day.

Through their Food for the Fearless initiative, Mark Boccia and the team at Bayside's Bourbon Street Queens and OSP have raised nearly $80,000 and counting to provide hundreds of meals to healthcare workers at our New York hospitals and the many first responders stationed at our local precincts, firehouses, and Fort Totten.

Click here to learn more about this fundraiser

A local group has organized to help assemble over 2,800 critical face shields for healthcare workers at Elmhurst Hospital, Forest Hills Hospital, Stony Brook University Hospital, Brandywine Nursing Home in Little Neck, and several others. Organizer Dr. Emily Watkins writes: "Our volunteers continue to work tirelessly to build face shields. We are grateful to have some new volunteers joining our ranks this week. The situation seems to be improving in some places and some of the hospitals we’ve supplied now have enough face shields for all their staff."

Click here to learn more about Project Face Shield

A group of neighbors have created the "Meals for Visiting Healthcare Workers in Queens" initiative to provide meals to the many nurses, doctors, and paramedics from across the country staying at the Adria Hotel and Conference Center and Best Western on Northern Boulevard. Organizer Amy Herzog writes: "After 12 hour shifts on the front lines, these medical workers are exhausted and hungry. Please help us raise money to coordinate hot meals and other needed supplies."

Click here to learn more about this initiative

The "Help Our Healthcare Heroes" initiative has delivered meals to hundreds of medical staff throughout Queens, Manhattan, and Long Island. Organizer Karra Puccia writes: "Every dollar counts and we want to support these heroes when they leave their families to care for ours. Please share so we can continue helping them."

Click here to learn more

14-year-old Bay Terrace resident Jeremy Golub is leading an effort to deliver meals to Flushing Hospital Medical Center EMS. Well done!

THANK YOU to these local organizers and to our first responders, our healthcare workers, and all those on the front lines every day working hard to get our city through this pandemic. We will weather these uncertain times and come through stronger, together!

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COVID-19 Emergency Supply Sourcing & Manufacturing

As chair of the Council's Committee on Economic Development, I'm encouraged to see over 2,000 NYC businesses have answered the call for aid from our healthcare workers, who need proper supplies & protection to continue fighting COVID19.

Are you able to help support the City's response to COVID19? Volunteer to help today: https://edc.nyc/covid-19-emergency-supply-sourcing-manufacturing

Read more at The Architect's Newspaper

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Meal Delivery for Those in Need

NYC is assisting New Yorkers by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves: http://NYC.gov/GetFood or call 311.

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Grab and Go Meals for ALL

Starting Friday, April 3, 2020, three free meals are available daily for ALL New Yorkers in more than 400 Meal Hubs across the 5 boroughs.

Locations in Northeast Queens include Bayside High School, MS 158, PS 169 Bay Terrace and PS 107 Flushing.

To find a location near you visit http://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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Get Involved: How You Can Help

Healthcare workers at Flushing Hospital Medical Center are handling many COVID19 cases and are requesting help. If you are able to donate, or have any of the necessary PPE supplies, please visit http://flushinghospital.org/donate-now/!
Governor Cuomo is calling on health care professionals, schools of public health or medicine and PPE products providers and manufacturers to volunteer and help support the state’s response. Visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/get-involved-how-you-can-help to find out how you can volunteer today.
Supplies: NYC EDC is seeking local businesses that want to support the COVID-19 emergency response effort. Please visit this webpage for more: https://edc.nyc/covid-19-emergency-supply-sourcing-manufacturing
Information about space: The NYC Share Your Space Survey is critical to helping the City prepare for emergencies and outreach to all of the City's communities. Organizations citywide are encouraged to participate. Visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/share-your-space-survey.page
DonateNYC: Find out how you can safely and responsibly donate or find needed goods here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/donate/site/

Visit http://nyc.gov/helpnownyc for the latest ways you can safely help, or seek help, from your fellow New Yorkers.

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— MORE NEWS —

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Douglaston and Little Neck are Open for Business!

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NYC Public School Remote Learning

The DOE has commenced Remote Learning.

If you are a family in need of a device, please use the resources below and visit the NYC Department of Education website

Visit http://schools.nyc.gov and schools.nyc.gov/coronavirus for the latest official DOE updates.

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New York State Issues Guidance on

COVID-19 Paid Leave Law

On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law Senate Bill S8091 to provide paid sick leave and job protection for workers during the COVID-19 crisis (“COVID-19 Leave”).

This leave is provided in the event that a worker, or their minor children, are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the State of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19.

Find a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements and benefits here:

https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/new-york-paid-family-leave-covid-19-faqs

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Complete the 2020 Census!

It's quick and easy. The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to complete.
It's safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected.
Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services.
Results from the 2020 Census will be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government.

Visit My2020Census.gov to complete the census online today

— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —