— IN THE PAST WEEK —

 

Dear Neighbors,

 

As we prepare for a second winter storm in as many weeks, I would like to wish you and your families well. Please stay warm and stay safe.  

 

As we continue our work to stop the spread of COVID-19, 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.

 

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

Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

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Council Member Vallone Calls for Indoor Dining Expansion

Photo Credit: Dean Moses

 

This week, Council Member Vallone allong with 17 of his colleagues signed onto a letter urging the Governor to expand indoor dining capacity as the city is beset by frequent snowfall and outdoor dining is becoming less feisable. The letter, written by Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, reads as follows: 

 

"The fact of the matter is 25% capacity for indoor dining is simply not enough for restaurants to survive and we are facing a different reality than we were in September when outdoor dining was thriving. As we send this letter today, temperatures in the city are falling below freezing levels
with severe winter weather forecasted over the next several days. How can the restaurants in our district survive on outdoor dining alone during these treacherous winter conditions? Aside from the declining winter weather, many of the restaurants in our districts throughout the five boroughs have reported an approximate 60-80 percent decline in outdoor dining over the past few weeks."

 

Council Member Vallone will continue to fight for ways for small businesses in our community to do business and survive during this pandemic. 

 

 

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ICYMI: Senior Medical Transport Program Returns to District 19

 

Photo taken in 2019

 

Council Member Paul A. Vallone is proud to announce that the Free Senior Transportation Program is back up and running as of last week thanks to a $90,000 funding allocation. An additional $50,000 was allocated in partnership with Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Robert Holden, bringing the total allotment to $140,000. Queens seniors living in Council Member Vallone’s district are eligible for the program, as well as seniors in Council Member Holden’s section of Queens. Rides are offered to areas within the five boroughs and western Nassau County. The program will continue until all funding runs out.

 

In order to schedule a ride to an essential medical or vaccination appointment, eligible Queens seniors should call the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center at 718-224-7888 between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon and leave their name and phone number in a voicemail to schedule their next-day rides. The Selfhelp team will return their call and arrange the ride. If their appointment is on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday, seniors will need to call the prior Friday. All those who use the service will need to complete a basic application with demographic information and an emergency contact and provide their destination.

 

Read More Here

 

 

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ICYMI: Council Member Vallone Calls for More Vaccination Sites in Northeast Queens

 

Last week, I joined with local elected officials and signed onto a letter calling for more vaccination sites in Northeast Queens. Please find an excerpt from that letter below:

 

"Our constituents in Northeast Queens need a vaccination site that is more accessible to them than what is currently being offered. Although the addition of a 24/7 site at Citi Field is welcome, it is not within reach for most seniors, especially when travel options to the stadium are limited during the pandemic. While we understand that vaccine supply is limited and more locations are slated to open in the coming weeks, it is critical that we get sites up and running to
ensure ease of access as the vaccination rollout continues."

 

Read More Here

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Equal Sports Project offering Free Soccer Training to Eligible Children

 

 

Play For Change, known as PFC, is a community-based youth football club with the goal to teach kids valuable life skills by using soccer as the primary platform. One session is 60 minutes long and is trained by a qualified USSF licensed coach. Each session is designed around players' needs to help build his/her skill and focus on the development of his/her love of the game. 

 

To schedule a FREE 1 on 1 private session or group session, please email [email protected]

 

 

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Free Tax Prep Avaialble to Elligible New Yorkers

1 in 2 NYC households are eligible to file their taxes for free, but many needlessly spend hundreds of dollars to have their taxes prepared. During these difficult economic times, it’s more important than ever that New Yorkers eligible for NYC Free Tax Prep file their taxes for free, claim important tax credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and keep their WHOLE refund.
 
New Yorkers who earned $68,000 or less in 2020 may qualify for free tax preparation services in several ways – including from home–this tax season. NYC Free Tax Prep providers can help eligible New Yorkers file their taxes now and transmit the returns to the IRS when they open the tax season on February 12, 2021. The main website for tax information is nyc.gov/taxprep, but please find links to additional information:
 
 

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COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

 

 

Starting Monday, January 11, NYS began scheduling vaccinations for the next group of people (Phase 1b):

 

-People age 65+
-Education workers
-First responders (police, fire)
-Public transit workers
-Public safety workers

 

If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, use the Vaccine Finder to search for a location near you. 

 

While the end of the pandemic may finally be in sight, it is still important in the coming weeks we continue to:

 

1- Wear a mask
2- Practice social distancing
3 -Get tested for COVID19

 

For the latest information, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines.page

 

 

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Department of Finance Deadlines & Resources

 

 

The Department of Finance administers a number of benefits for property owners in the form of exemptions and abatements.

 

If you currently are utilizing a tax exemption for property taxes, the deadline to renew that exemption is March 15, 2021. If you are interested in applying for a new exemption, please use the information and resources listed above and below. 

 

* Senior Citizens Homeowners Exemption (SCHE) is required to be renewed every two years.
* Disabled Homeowners Exemption (DHE) is required to be renewed every year.
* Clergy Exemptions are required to be renewed every year.

 

 

To learn about each of these benefits and others, including eligibility, filing and deadlines, visit the Benefits for Property Owners page.

 

 

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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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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

 

PHASE 4 REOPENING

 

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Open Restaurants Program

 

 

The Open Restaurants program 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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NYC Launches Fair Share program to Streamline PPP Applications

 

 

The Paycheck Protection Program from the Federal Small Business Administration is OPEN again.

 

New York City Small Business Services can help you navigate the process — go to http://nyc.gov/ppp or call 888-SBS-4NYC for assistance.

 

Fair Share NYC can help in 15 languages!

 

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Open Storefronts

 

The Open Storefronts program has been extended through 9/30/2021!

 

 

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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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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— MORE NEWS —

 

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Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park

 

 

A new local group has formed with the mission to ensure Crocheron & John Golden Park will provide all visitors with beautiful open spaces.

Learn more about their fundraising and event organization efforts here

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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. 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]

 

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