— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

Our city is working to invest fully in our recovery and our future! We must
continue our successful vaccination campaign if we are going to return to
normal in our city. Please check with your doctor and get vacinated as soon
as possible!

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 Passes Food Bill as Food Insecurity in our City
Grows

On Thursday April 22nd, the New York City Council unanimously passed
Council Member Paul A. Vallone’s bill regarding the production, processing,
distribution and consumption of food which will assist the City’s goal to
ensure that all New Yorkers have access to healthy, affordable food.

“The COVID-19 pandemic struck our city hard and left many with the question
of where their next meal would come from” said Council Member Paul Vallone.
“In the greatest city in the world, we cannot stand idle while one in eight
of our New Yorkers face food insecurity. This bill will allow us to take an
in-depth look at food production, distribution and access in the five
boroughs, a critical step in developing the equitable and transformative
food policy strategies of tomorrow. I thank City Council Speaker Johnson
for bringing attention to this important issue and I am proud to
collaborate with him on this impactful piece of legislation.”

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Mayor Announces $30 Millon Investment in NYC Tourism Recovery

At a press conference this morning, NYC & Company, New York City’s official
destination marketing organization and convention & visitors bureau,
presented “NYC Reawakens,” a new initiative to signal the City’s reopening
and comeback. Just prior, Council Member Paul Vallone and NYC & Company
President and CEO Fred Dixon joined the Mayor at the his daily news
briefing to announce the largest-ever $30 million marketing campaign for
tourism recovery that will launch in June (details including creative will
be shown at a future date)

The Mayor also joined NYC & Company’s press conference to communicate the
new campaign and reinforce the City’s resiliency as he addressed more than
200 domestic and international travel writers. Today’s announcement comes
as NYC & Company predicts 36.4 million people will visit New York City in
2021, recovering more than 50 percent of the record 66.6 million visitors
that came in 2019.

"Tourism is one of the pillars of our economy, there is no recovery without
it." said Counil Member Vallone, "I applaud the Administration and NYC &
Co. taking the initiative with the NYC Reawakens campaign and making a
proactive investment in our recovery and our future"

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Council Member Vallone Holds Korean Round Table to Hear Community Concerns

On Wednesday Council Member Vallone hosted a Korean Roundable to ensure
that the Korean-American members of our community have a venue to have
their concerns heard and addressed. With a rise in anti-Asian violence and
crime, it is more important than ever that we work to listen and
collaborate to find solutions to these problems.

"I have always worked hard to ensure that every member of my community has
a voice and a place at the table" said Council Member Vallone, "I am
grateful that Korean-American members of our community are willing to give
their time to voice their concerns and propose solutions to the pressing
issues facing them during these tough times."

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Council Member Vallone's Shoreline Resiliency Bill Heard in Committee

Photo: Patch.com

On Friday April 23rd, Council Member Paul A. Vallone’s bill was heard by
the Committee on Resiliency and Waterfronts. The bill would require a
study of waterfront infrastructure in all 5 boroughs with a deep focus on
ecological impact, restoration, and sustainability

“Hurricane Sandy revealed that we need to work on our shorelines throughout
the entire city, not just in Manhattan or the Rockaways” said Council
Member Paul Vallone. “My district as an example, we are surrounded by water
on three sides, but don’t have a clear picture of what shoreline structures
are there and what state they are in, and no way to access the waterfront
in many areas. It is important that we take this opportunity to create a
resilient and ecologically responsible shorefront for future generations of
New Yorkers to thrive in the face of climate change. New York can be at the
forefront of ecologically inclusive infrastructure and show the world that
planning for the future can, and must, be done responsibly.”

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KCS Now Open to All 16+ for Walk-in Vaccinations

The Korean Community Services Center is now open to walk in vaccinations to
those 16 and over!

If you know If you know someone who is 16 years or older and is still in
need of a COVID vaccine, please encourage them to get vaccinated!

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

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

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [15][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 [16]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. [17]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 [18]Facebook, [19]Twitter and [20]Instagram

References

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