— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

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

I am glad to take this opportunity to wish everyone in our community a very
Happy Diwali and reflect on the wonderful celebrations from last year. I
look forward to a year of prosperity and healing for our city and the
world.

Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

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Photo From Diwali 2019

Whitestone Holiday Light Fundraiser

The Whitestone Merchants Association is working to bring holiday lights to
our streets again this winter! They will be raising funds throughout the
season. Donation information can be found below:

Destination: Greenways November Update Meeting

Please join NYC Parks on Monday to learn about the new plans to grow
Greenways in Northeast Queens!

Please find all information below:

New Commanding Officer at the 109th Precinct

Last week I met with Captian John O'Connel, the new capitan on the 109th
precinct. I am looking forward to continuing our great work together in the
communities of Bay Terrace, College Point, Flushing & Whitestone.

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Stopping the Spread of COVID-19

Getting tested for COVID-19 or antibodies? Here is the difference between
the two tests:
* Virus tests tell you if you have COVID-19 and are currently sick.
* Antibody tests tell you if you had COVID-19 at some point in the past.

Learn more about testing [1]here

NYC is one of the first local jurisdictions in the country to put out
COVID19 testing frequency recommendations. Find out how often you should be
getting tested: [2][link removed]

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
[3]nyc.gov/COVIDtest

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New: Open Storefronts

Have you heard about Open Storefronts? Ground floor storefront businesses
can now use a portion of the sidewalk to conduct business until December
31.

A strong economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic means continuous
creativity with our open spaces and giving our business owners every
resource they need to survive and thrive. The Open Storefronts program will
accomplish just that and give New Yorkers a unique way to shop local and
shop safe throughout this holiday season.

Learn more and check your eligibility [4]here!

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Important NYC Schools Deadline

DOE families who have previously chosen remote-only learning can now opt
into blended learning for the remainder of the school year.

Visit [5][link removed] or call 311 to
submit your request before November 15.

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

PHASE 4 REOPENING

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Indoor dining in NYC resumed 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 [6]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 [7]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 [8]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 [9]Facebook and [10]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [11][link removed].

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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 [12][link removed]
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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— MORE NEWS —

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— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —

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718-268-5011

Commonpoint is also offering free full day childcare to families working as
essential workers. [13]Inquire here

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— UPCOMING EVENTS & COMMUNITY INFO —

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Thanks for reading! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do
not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Hon. Paul A. Vallone

New York City Council, District 19

42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 507

Bayside, New York 11361

718.619.8611

[email protected]

Follow me on [14]Facebook, [15]Twitter and [16]Instagram

References

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Council Member Paul Vallone | Council Member Paul Vallone | 42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 507 | Bayside, New York 11361
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