— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

I wish a happy Passover and a blessed Palm Sunday to those in our community
who celebrated this past weekend. I would also like to extend my greetings
to those who are celebrating the beginning of Holi. This week has been an
important week in stopping the spread of COVID in our community as we have
welcomed the opening of the first permanent vaccination site in our
district at the Korean Community Services Center. We are one step closer to
moving past this pandemic and back to normal.

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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District 19 Gets First Permanent Vaccination Site at the KCS Center

Council Member Paul A. Vallone attended the opening of the Korean Community
Services center, KCS, as a permanent vaccination site for residents in
Northeast Queens as they have secured a contract with the City of New York.
The Council Member has been fighting for more vaccine access for his
district, which has one of the highest concentrations of senior citizens in
the city, since vaccinations became available earlier this year.

The new vaccine site hosted by Korean Community Services, operated by
Centers Urgent Care, and located at 203-05 32nd Ave will build upon the
existing five-borough network of vaccine access points open to the eligible
public. This new vaccination site will offer more than 160 appointments per
day and will be open 7 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Additional
days and appointments will be available as supply increases citywide.
Starting March 25, eligible New Yorkers can make an appointment at
[1]nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC.

“We have one of the largest populations of seniors in the City and have
been advocating from day one for our own dedicated vaccination site. This
is a tremendous relief and victory for everyone in Northeast Queens and we
thank the Mayor for getting this done. Having KCS as our partner once again
is a perfect location and provider to bring the life saving vaccine to our
residents.”, said Council Member Paul Vallone.

Previously, Vallone has successfully fought to secure 2 pop up vaccination
centers in Northeast Queens but he consistently asked for a permanent
location that would be available until the end of this pandemic. KCS has
served as one of these locations, and has always been an incredible
community partner, especially during this pandemic.

[2]Sign up for Vaccine Appointments Here!

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Council Member Vallone Co-Hosts National Day of Action and Healing Unity
Rally

On Friday, Council Member Vallone joined elected officials and nonprofits
at Bay Terrace Shopping Center to call attention to the spike in racially
motivated crimes perpetrated on Asian Americans in our nation.

“On the eve of Passover and the upcoming Easter season, there is no room
for hate in our community and we stand together. It is terrible to see this
wave of Anti-Asian violence in our communities. I stand with those working
to end discrimination for all Amercians and I call for an increase in
funding to the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force.”, said Council Member Vallone
“We all must work together to end this spree of racially motivated
crime.”

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Bowne Park Renovations Set to Begin This Spring

Council Member Paul A Vallone, whose district oversees the park, allocated
$1.45 million in capital funding to upgrade the water fountains and
filtration system in the pond of the nearly 12-acre park. The Parks
Department has awarded a contract and work is set to begin the week of
March 22nd and the construction's duration is 18 months with a completion
date of August 2022

This project will remove accumulated sediment from the pond bottom and
repair a connection to a well so groundwater can be used to refill the pond
instead of City water. A new aeration system with three water cannons will
help to improve the water quality. Renovations will be in phases allowing
wildlife to remain at the pond during construction as a portion of the pond
will retain freshwater.

In addition,the renovations will replace the granite stone on the wall at
the edge of the pond and clear catch basins and storm sewer lines that
empty into the pond. Portions of the existing asphalt path system will be
reconstructed, and new plantings will be installed.

“I'm very proud that the latest capital project is about to begin at Bowne
Park. The renovations to our iconic pond will add to the serene beauty that
is unique to this park. These projects along with the upcoming bocce court
beautification community project will total over 3.5 million dollars and
complete our promise to renovate and preserve the beauty of Bowne Park.”
said Council Member Vallone.

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Council Member Vallone wishes all who Celebrate a Very Happy Holi
Celebration

The Holi Festival of Colors brings people of different communities together
celebrating the season of spring and victory of good over evil. Falling in
the month of Fhalguna ,which falls in the middle of March. May God gift you
all colors of Life, colors of joy, colors of happiness, colors of
friendship, and colors of love.

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.

[3]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 [4]nyc.gov/taxprep, but please find links to additional information:

* [5]NYC Free Tax Prep brochure
* [6]How to become an NYC Free Tax Prep Volunteer
* [7]Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers. Available in 12
languages.
* [8]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 [9]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 [10][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 [11]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 [12][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 [13]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: [14][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
[15]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 [16]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 [17][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 [18]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 [19]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 [20]Facebook and [21]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [22][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 [23]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. [24]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 [25]Facebook, [26]Twitter and [27]Instagram

References

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