For centuries, Italian Americans have helped shape the course of our nation’s history. Though we were unable to celebrate as we traditionally do, marching down 5th Avenue and with our City Hall Celebration, it's my honor to celebrate this Italian Heritage Month and recognize Italian Americans for their immeasurable contributions to the Borough of Queens and the City of New York!

In celebration of the significant contributions made by Italian Americans in Queens, I'm proud to be welcoming the community to the Queens Historical Society’s virtual exhibition and art talk.

Please join us on Sunday, October 25th and RSVP here!

— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe during these difficult times.

Last week, Gov. Cuomo released a zoned shutdown plan for certain parts of Brooklyn and Queens that have seen concerning spikes in COVID-19 positivity in recent weeks. While no areas of Northeast Queens are included in this plan, it's still going to take all of us working together to stop the spread. Please remember: by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, looking after our seniors and most vulnerable neighbors, and getting tested, we can continue to stay well and stop the spread.

Please find below the latest news and resources to stay informed.

Thank you and stay well,

Council Member Paul Vallone
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Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh

I want to take a moment to express my deep concern with the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. It is my hope a peaceful conflict resolution can be reached swiftly to end the heartbreaking violence, destruction and loss of life currently impacting the region and achieve peace.

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PPE Distribution to Support

our Small Businesses!

Happy to join the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Bayside Business Association, Bayside Village BID and Congresswoman Grace Meng to distribute important PPE to local businesses, restaurants and neighbors on Friday afternoon!

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Stopping the Spread of COVID-19

Testing is widely available, and you can now get tested even if you are asymptomatic. Testing is free, quick, and easy, and you do not need insurance.

⦿ Text 'COVID TEST' to 855-48 to find the closest testing location or visit nyc.gov/COVIDtest

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Asian-American Business Roundtable

Happy to lead a productive discussion on Tuesday with many of our Queens-based Asian American business leaders & community partners regarding economic development and the concerns facing Asian-led small businesses. Thanks to all participants and also to Congresswoman Grace Meng for her insight!

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Drive-In Movie in Bayside!

🎥 THIS FRIDAY: Please join us in Bayside for a FREE super spooky drive-in showing of 1982 film Poltergeist!

Pre-registration is required and tickets will go live here today at 5pm.

Social distancing must be followed and tickets are limited. Remember to set a reminder!

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NYC Finance Webinar

for Homeowners & Renters

Have questions about property tax benefits? Register for our NYC Finance webinar!

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Critical Census Count Still Underway!

Please take a few minutes to fill out the Census today. If you've already filled it out, please remind a family member, friend, or neighbor. A complete and accurate census count is critical to maximize federal funding and secure due representation in Congress for New York.

Visit 2020 Census or call 844-330-2020 to complete the Census today!

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Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Allowing All New Yokers to Vote By Mail this Fall

The Board of Elections has provided a fully online application as well as email, paper mail, fax, and phone options. The information and links to access them can be found below:

Online Application

PDF/Paper Applications can be found here in 5 languages

Email Application to [email protected]

Fax application to 212-487-5349

Mail Application to your local borough office

Call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692)

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

PHASE 4 REOPENING

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Governor Cuomo announced that indoor dining in NYC will resume at 25% capacity on Sept. 30. Reopening indoor dining in New York City with safety precautions is the right call and a major step that will boost the local economy and help our restaurant owners and the thousands of New Yorkers they employ get back on their feet while keeping diners safe. Given the fact that surrounding counties are already offering indoor dining at up to 50% capacity, I urge the Governor to raise the threshold for our Queens and NYC restaurants as soon as it's safely possible.

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Open Restaurants Program

The City has announced guidance for the Open Restaurants program, which allows qualifying restaurants and bars to expand outdoor seating on sidewalks, curb lanes, backyards, patios, plazas, and Open Streets.

The Open Restaurants initiative will give restaurant owners the power to expand and offer food service in the open air, keeping diners safe and offering New Yorkers a way to enjoy a meal while supporting their local small business, whose success will be a critical part of a strong economic recovery.

Read more and apply here!

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Free Face Coverings for Small Businesses

and their Employees

The City of New York will distribute 4 million face coverings citywide to small businesses and their employees as we move toward reopening the local economy. To get these resources to you and your employees, the NYC Department of Small Business Services and NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection are working with business-serving partner organizations throughout the five boroughs.

If you are a small business looking to secure free face coverings for your employees, visit this City website to find a distribution partner located near you. You should contact partner organizations in advance, most organizations have varying hours for pick up.

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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 stepped up and launched a fundraiser to help College Point residents who are in need of food.

Organizers write: "We have been going strong throughout the summer, helping to keep the food pantry alive at First Reformed Church in CP. Thanks to generous donations from the community, businesses, and city partners, we have been helping the community throughout these difficult Covid times...Our focus has now fully shifted from thanking workers, which was a wonderful initiative, to supporting the food pantry."

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:

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!

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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Grab and Go Meals for ALL

Free meals are available daily for ALL New Yorkers at Meal Hubs across the 5 boroughs.

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

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— MORE NEWS —

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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 —