— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you to the mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and all of the
female figures in our lives for all that you do. We celebrate you today and
every day!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

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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NY Edge Educator Megan Basaldua Honored by Council Member Vallone

On Wednesday, May 5th Council Member Vallone along with the principal of PS
193 Diane Tratner, and McDonalds honored an outstanding educator, Megan
Basaldua from the NY Edge program.

"I am glad to work with McDonalds to honor Megan Basaldua, an excellent
educator and hard worker from NY Edge." said Council Member Vallone, "Thank
you Megan, and thank you PS 193 and Principal Diane Tratner!"

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Detective Kevin O'Donnell Celebrates His Retirement from the 109th Precinct

On Friday May 5th, Detective Kevin O'Donnell celebrated his retirement from
the NYPD. He has been a constant presence in District 19 and is well known
by many in the commmunity. Detective O'Donnell will be missed and his work
will be remembered fondly.

"Detective Kevin O'Donnell is one of the best officers out there and will
be missed." said Council Member Vallone, "It's not every day that you find
such a dedicated public servant, and I wish him the best in his
retirement."

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Broadway Reopening Announced for September 14th

This Thursday Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that Broadway Theaters would
be allowed to resume operations on September 14. This is a huge step
towards NYC's recovery and signals that our city is open for business.

"The theater and the arts are a central part of our identity as a city"
said Council Member Vallone "I am excited to see Broadway reopen as we
normalize our lives and prepare for the post-COVID recovery!"

[1]Read More Here!

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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

[2]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 [3]nyc.gov/taxprep, but please find links to additional information:

* [4]NYC Free Tax Prep brochure
* [5]How to become an NYC Free Tax Prep Volunteer
* [6]Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers. Available in 12
languages.
* [7]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 [8][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 [9]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: [10][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
[11]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 [12]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 [13]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 [14]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 [15]Facebook and [16]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [17][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 [18]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. [19]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 [20]Facebook, [21]Twitter and [22]Instagram

References

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