— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

As the number of vaccinated people in our city grows it looks like we can
see the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunne;. We will be working to
ensure that New York has a robust and vibrant recovery.

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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KCS Vaccination Site opens as Walk In for 75+ in our Community

The Korean Community Services Center is now open to walk vaccinations to
Seniors 75+ and one caregiver or family member that accompanies them.

If you know If you know someone who is 75+ and is still in need of a COVID
vaccine, please encourage them to get vaccinated!

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ICYMI: Work Begins on Bowne Park Renovations

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.

[1]Read More Here

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Super Stars Leadership Academy opens Applications!

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Chinese Translation Services Available for Vaccine Assistance

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

* [3]NYC Free Tax Prep brochure
* [4]How to become an NYC Free Tax Prep Volunteer
* [5]Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers. Available in 12
languages.
* [6]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 [7]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 [8][link removed].

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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 [9][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 [10]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: [11][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
[12]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 [13]here!

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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 [14]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 [15]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 [16]Facebook and [17]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [18][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 [19]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. [20]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 [21]Facebook, [22]Twitter and [23]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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