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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.
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 nyc.gov/taxprep, but please find links to additional information:
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COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
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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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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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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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]
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
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