Dear Neighbors,

This weekend I had the honor to unveil a monument to a true American hero in Whitestone. After Memorial day and this week's conaming our community truly has shown it's committment to honoring sacrifice and I am proud to represent us 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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Council Member Vallone unveils Corporal John McHugh Way in Whitestone

On Sunday Council Member Vallone hosted the unveiling of Corporal John McHugh Way at the intersection of 156th Street and Cryders Lane in Whitestone, Queens. Council Member Vallone introduced legislation in the City Council that was unanimously approved and signed by Mayor De Blasio in 2019.

John McHugh was a true American Hero, serving our country during one of the most difficult periods in our history and fighting in the most gruesome battles that soldiers have ever seen. He stormed Omaha beach during the initial phases of the liberation of France, and later fought all through the European Theater to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation during WWII. He fought in the battles of Aachen, Hurtgen Forest, Crucifix Hill and the Bulge, battles that turned the tide in the favor of the Allies, and even remained for seven months after the war ended to continue serving, until he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal

“I am honored to be able to unveil a monument to a local man who was truly a hero. Corporal John McHugh was the epitome of bravery, and truly emblematic of what it meant to be a part of the Greatest Generation on the 77th anniversary of D-Day” said Council Member Vallone, “This will stand to remind future generations of the sacrifice and courage of Corporal McHugh and ensure that his legacy endures.”

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Council Member Vallone Attends Douglaston Plaza Reopening

On Saturday June 5th Council Member Vallone attended the Douglaston Plaza Reopening hosted by the Douglaston Local Development Corporation. This event not only heralds the begining of summer, but also an important sign that our city is reopening after the COVID Pandemic.

"I applaud the Douglaston Local Development Corporation on their great reopening event" said Council Member Vallone, "It's great to see our community coming back after a particularly difficult year"

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Council Member Vallone Honored PS 94 Virtual Event and Demonstration

On Monday June 1st, Council Member Vallone was honored at PS 94 for years of funding he worked to direct to the school. The school's robotics team gave a demonstration of some of their work.

"I applaud the wonderful work done by the students and educators of PS 94, and their Robo-Panda's robotics team" said Council Member Vallone, "Educating our students is a direct investment in our future, and to see the work that is being done when the right resources are available is remarkable."

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KCS Now Open to All 12+ for Walk-in Vaccinations

The Korean Community Services Center is now open to walk in vaccinations to those 12 and over!

If you know If you know someone who is 12 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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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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