Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe!

NYC DOE school buildings will reopen for 3-K, Pre-K and K-5 students on Monday, December 7. They will reopen for District 75 students on Thursday, December 10. Be sure to visit the DOE website for the latest updates.

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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Reminiscing on our

Children's Holiday Parade!

On the weekend of what would have been our annual Children's Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Bayside, please enjoy these scenes from our festive 2018 event! I hope you and your family enjoy a safe, healthy and very happy holiday season!

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"Authorities Crack Down On Illegal Parking Around Harvey Park"

"Police are cracking down on trucks and trash haulers illegally parking around Harvey Park in Queens.

City Council Member Paul Vallone and officers from the NYPD's 109th Precinct have teamed up to put a stop to commercial trucks, tractor-trailers and garbage trucks parking at all hours outside the park, in violation of city parking rules for commercial vehicles, according to a news release.

The presence of the massive trucks had prompted safety concerns among some who frequent the park, including the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League, whose members use the fields for youth sports.

"Commercial trucks constantly lined up along the perimeter of the park decrease visibility and pose a risk to pedestrians seeking safe access to this popular greenspace," Vallone said. "I thank Commanding Officer John O'Connell and the 109th Precinct for their attention to this issue and look forward to our continued partnership."

Police officers have recently handed out 15 summonses to illegally parked truck drivers, according to Vallone's office."

Read the Full Article at Bayside Patch

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City Invests $20 Million to Create Pandemic Response Institute, Strengthening Long-Term Health Infrastructure

This past week, Mayor de Blasio announced the creation of the Pandemic Response Institute (PRI), a facility dedicated to preparing New York City and other jurisdictions for future health emergencies and epidemics. PRI will strengthen New York City’s health infrastructure, build on the success of the Pandemic Response Lab and recent experiences in epidemic response, and position the City as a global leader in research, innovation, and pandemic response.

This effort is part of the Administration’s long-term recovery agenda, which seeks to accelerate the City’s economic recovery by building on the network of premier hospital systems, world leading medical universities, and growing life sciences and tech sectors to make New York City the public health capital of the world.

"Building on knowledge gleaned during the COVID-19 pandemic response, enhancing our health infrastructure and activating local talent are key components that will inform New York City's future public health response procedures and partnerships," said Council Member Paul Vallone, Chair of the Economic Development Committee. "Combining all of these factors is the Pandemic Response Institute, which will help drive both health sector innovation and critical economic growth in the five boroughs for years to come."

Read Coverage at AMNY

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ICYMI: "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 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 Queens Post

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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 http://schools.nyc.gov/freemeals
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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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 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: https://on.nyc.gov/316jRUC

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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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 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 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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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.