Dear Neighbors,

As the city opens up and the weather gets warmer, we must continue to work to end this pandemic and truly return to normalcy. Please take advantage of the wonderful parks and restaurants in our district as the reopening continues!

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 honors Friends of Francis Lewis Park Volunteers at Arbor Day Event

Last Wedenesday May 12th, Council Member Vallone honored all volunteers at an event to plant trees at Friends of Francis Lewis Park. Dorian Mecir organized the event and has been working to improve the park and the community for years.

"I am glad to work with Dorian Mecir and the Friends of Francis Lewis Park to continue to improve and beautify this important community space." said Council Member Vallone, "I am grateful for all of their work on this park, it is events like these that keep our community strong."

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Council Member Vallone Votes to Increase Penalties for House of Worship Vandalism

On Wednesday May 12th the City Council passed Intro 2108-A which would increase the penalties for acts of vandalism against houses of worship. During the pandemic hate crims have beeen on the rise and the council is working to deter them and encourage the federal government to take hate crime enforcement more seriously in the city. The Council also passes Resolution 1619 which calls on the federal government to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act.

"It is a tragedy within a tragedy that we have seen a spike in hate crimes in our city and across the country as we were dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic." said Council Member Vallone, "The Council has been working to address these issues and encouraging the federal government to act."

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Council Member Vallone Attends MS 379 Career Day

On Monday May 10th, Council Member Vallone virtually attended MS 379's career day. The Council Member spoke about his career in the legal field and his service as a city Council Member.

"It is always great to be able to speak to students about their futures" said Council Member Vallone, "There is so much potential in our children and it gives me great hope in the future of our communities."

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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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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.