Dear Neighbors,

Happy Orthodox Easter! Kalo Pascha and Christos Anesti to all of my friends and family celebrating today. Please safely enjoy the holiday with your families in this wonderful weather.

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 Honored by the Center for the Women of New York

On Friday April 30th, the Center for Women of New York held their annual gala for outstanding leadership on Zoom. The Gala celebrates women and men in leadership who are committed to women’s rights and who have made significant contributions to our community. The Center for the Women of New York is a women’s advocacy organization that celebrates work done in service of the equality of Women in New York City.

"I am honored to have been recognized by the Center for Women of New York at their annual gala for outstanding leadership!" said Council Member Vallone, "The Center for Women of New York has been serving and empowering women for over 30 years and it was a privilege to advocate for restoration of their headquarters at Fort Totten!"

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Council Member Vallone Meets with Queens DA Katz to Hear Budget Requests

On Tuesday April 27th, Council Member Vallone met with Queens DA Melinda Katz to discuss budget allocations for her office in FY 2022. These budget meetings are integral to understanding the needs of the district attorney and our community's criminial justice infrastructure.

"We're fighting for more funding as Queens receives the smallest allocation at $28 dollars per constituent." said Council Member Vallone, "We need more funding to serve our community and ensure that justice is served."

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Council Member Vallone Attends PS29 Midori and Friends Virtual Performance

On Thursday April 29th Council Member Vallone attended the final assembly of Midori and Friends hosted by PS 29. The event was livestreamed on Midori and Friends facebook. The program is part of the city's CASA program and is always popular with students and educators alike.

"I'm always proud to support and fund Midori and Friends Colloaboration with each year in the budget." said Council Member Vallone "Keeping arts education alive and well is incredibly important and the students love it! PS 29 did an incredible job and I'm glad I was invitied to attend!"

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Administration Announces "Recovery for All of Us" Program to Support Small Business Recovery

Photo: QNS

Mayor Bill de Blasio, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Jonnel Doris announced that over $155 million will be allocated for small business recovery and job training in emerging markets in New York City's Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22).

Since the beginning of the pandemic, SBS has launched 28 initiatives to help small businesses and jobseekers stay resilient, including a hotline that has helped over 57,000 callers and resources connecting 5,000 businesses to over $142 million in funding. Through the City's 'Fair Share: PPP' program, 4,174 businesses received assistance in applying for $294 million in PPP. The FY22 Executive Plan is expected to reach 40,000 businesses across the five boroughs.

"I applaud the administration in their work to proactively provide resources to restart our economy", said Council Member Vallone "We need to be doing everything we can to help our small business

Find More Information Here

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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.