— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

As the council begins hearings on the budget for the next fiscal year, we
must continue to work for a robust recovery that includes the whole city. I
look forward to the end of this pandemic and working to create a stronger
city.

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 Holds Hearing on NYCEDC Budget for NYC Recovery

Council Member Vallone chaired a hearing of the Economic Development
Commmittee to overview their preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal
year. NYCEDC outlined their plans to to get the city up and running through
their various programs designed to support business and commerce in the
city. They also outlined their plans to expand ferry service througout the
city.

"Today I chaired a great preliminary budget hearing where we asked
NYCEDC about their plans to revitalize the city after the pandemic and
increase transit options in Northeast Queens by expanding ferry service to
include our communities." said Council Member Vallone

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Council Member Vallone Signs on to Letter to Support the Schoolyard to
Playground Program

Council Member Vallone signed onto a letter from Council Member Robert
Holden to increase funding for the Schoolyard to Playground progam, which
would expand access to schoolyards during off-hours for the residents of
the surrounding communities.

"With public health officials encouraging outdoor activities over indoor
gatherings and summer fast approaching, Schoolyards to Playgrounds has a
small price tag for the significant, positive impact on communities. Please
make funding this program a priority." the letter penned by Council Member
Holden reads.

"It is important to open as much outdoor space as possible during these
times to allow children and families to safely enjoy their time outdoors
during the spring and summer" said Council Member Vallone.

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NYC Department of the Aging to Launch Ageless New York to Combat Ageism

The NYC Department for the Aging is unveiling and launching of Ageless New
York – a first-of-its-kind media campaign in New York City, dedicated to
combatting ageism. DFTA is working to tackle a pervasive problem in elder
care in a first of it's kind media campaign to raise awareness.

“It is amazing to see the city recognize the pervasive problem of ageism in
our city." said Council Member Vallone "I have worked for most of my career
to protect the rights of vulnerable seniors and shining a light on their
struggles will certainly empower them and their advocates in seeking
justice in their lives. “

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Pop Up Douglaston Food Share Available for Neighbors in Need through June

Please spread the word about our pop up food pantries! All relevant
information can be found on the infographics below in both Chinese and
English.

Great work from the Douglaston LDC, Zion Episcopal Church, and The
Community Church of Douglaston!

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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.

[1]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."

[2]Read More Here

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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 [3]nyc.gov/taxprep, but please find links to additional information:

* [4]NYC Free Tax Prep brochure
* [5]How to become an NYC Free Tax Prep Volunteer
* [6]Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers. Available in 12
languages.
* [7]Information about Economic Impact Payments. Note: NYC Free Tax Prep
preparers can help eligible New Yorkers claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, use the [8]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 [9][link removed].

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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 [10]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 [11][link removed]
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 [12]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: [13][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
[14]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 [15]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 [16][link removed] 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 [17]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 [18]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 [19]Facebook and [20]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [21][link removed].

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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 [22]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. [23]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 [24]Facebook, [25]Twitter and [26]Instagram

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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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