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

NYC Free Tax Prep brochure
How to become an NYC Free Tax Prep Volunteer
Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers. Available in 12 languages.
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 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.