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Dear Neighbors,
The parks in our area are recieving some much needed upgrades just in time for everyone to get up and out for the spring. Make sure you take advantage of all the wonderful open space in our community as the weather improves!
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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Crocheron Park gets Newly Renovated Baseball Fields
  
The project reconstructed the southwest ballfield, known as Field 3, and includes both a new infield with a clay and sand mixture and an outfield with topsoil and natural turf. Grading issues, including the steep existing outfield, were corrected and existing fences were repaired or replaced along the entire perimeter of the field. Additionally, new access gates were installed and paths and dugouts were made accessible and furnished with new benches, backrests and arms.
The park also received a new section of bleachers, bottle filler drinking fountains, and a manual irrigation system. Lastly, the existing dugout gate at Field 2 was removed and replaced with bollards to make the field open and accessible, and new canopy and understory trees were planted on the site margins to add shade and replace previously removed trees.
“Baseball is a great way to get outside safely during these difficult times and our national pastime brings us together as we move towards a recovery” said Council Member Paul A. Vallone. “These new facilities are top notch, and we look forward to future major leaguers developing their skills at Crocheron Park!”
Read More Here
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KCS Vaccination Site opens as Walk In for 50+ in our Community
The Korean Community Services Center is now open to walk in vaccinations to those 50 and over!
If you know If you know someone who is 50 years or older and is still in need of a COVID vaccine, please encourage them to get vaccinated!
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Council Member Vallone Co-Hosts Armenian Genocide Commemoration Event with Kean University's Harry Milian
On Thursday Council Member Vallone co-hosted an event with Kean University to commemorate the tragedy of the Armenian Genocide. April is holocaust and genocide awareness month and during this time many organizations are commemorating and raising awareness for these tragic historical events so that we may learn from them and prevent them from ever happening again.
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Council Member Vallone meets with the Broadway Association
On Thursday the Council Member met with the Broadway Association as they discussed the matters of the day with current Manhattan District Attorney candidates. Broadway theaters and associated actors, artisans, and craftspeople have taken a particularly large hit during the pandemic as theaters remain closed.
"I look forward to the return of live Broadway performances." said Council Member Vallone, "The tenacity and dedication of the theater community will spearhead a robust recovery for our great city!"
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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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