— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe during these difficult
times. No matter how different your Thanksgiving may have looked this year,
I hope the day brought you great joy, gratitude and quality time with loved
ones.

As we enter the holiday season, at the end of a very challenging year,
I urge you to remember: by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing,
looking after our seniors and most vulnerable neighbors, and getting
tested, we can continue to stop the spread of COVID19 and be well.

Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

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Remembering David Dinkins

I join the City of New York in mourning the loss of former Mayor David
Dinkins, who passed on Monday. During his time as mayor, Mr. Dinkins and my
father, Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., worked closely to enact the "Safe
Streets, Safe City" program, which sharply reduced crime & ushered in an
era of safety. His legacy will live on and I offer my heartfelt condolences
to the Dinkins family at this difficult time.

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"Queens Lawmaker Helps Pass Legislation to Combat Age Discrimination in the
Workforce"

"The City Council unanimously passed a package of bills Thursday that seek
to prevent age discrimination in the workforce.

The [1]five bills, which were co-sponsored by Northeast Queens Council
Member Paul Vallone, aim to combat ageism in the workforce on a number of
fronts, most notably through the establishment of a new office called the
Center for Older Workforce Development (COWD).

The center will be tasked with developing an older workforce by helping
older adults secure work. The center will host job, language and technical
training along with offering other career-building assistance for older
adults.

A COWD website will be launched to promote the inclusion and retention of
older adults in the municipal workforce.

Under the new legislation, the Department for the Aging (DFTA) will be
required to provide guidance and support to the center and the New York
City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) will conduct a two-year study on age
discrimination in the workplace.

Vallone, who serves on the council’s Committee on Aging and is chair of the
Committee on Economic Development, said age discrimination in the workforce
was a pressing issue that needed to be addressed.

“It is unacceptable that our older New Yorkers continue to face
discrimination and harassment at all stages of employment due to age
discrimination, which persists as one of the most prevalent forms of
discrimination in the American workplace,” Vallone said."

Read the full story at [2]Queens Post

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Queens Holiday Toy Drive

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is hosting a toy drive in partnership with
the Child Center of NY. If you're able to give, please do so and help bring
a smile to a local child's face this holiday season!

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Grab and Go Meals for ALL

Even when school buildings are closed, free meals are still available at
NYC Schools Meal Hubs!

To find a location near you visit [3][link removed]
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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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:

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ICYMI: Giving Thanks with Bell Academy

Pleasure joining the BELL Academy PTA & community for a virtual meeting to
give thanks ahead of the holidays. Wonderful to hear from many thoughtful
students & faculty and to share my gratitude for my family, health and the
privilege to represent great schools like BELL Academy!

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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 [4]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: [5][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
[6]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 [7]here!

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

PHASE 4 REOPENING

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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 [8]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 [9]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 [10]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 [11]Facebook and [12]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [13][link removed].

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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. [14]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 [15]Facebook, [16]Twitter and [17]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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