Dear Neighbors,

Summer is upon us and I hope that all of the wonderful parks in our district are used to full capacity! Make sure to take some time to go out and explore the green gems of our community.

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
_________________________________________________________________________

Council Member Vallone Attends 109th Precinct Community Council BBQ

Last Thursday June 10th, Council Member Vallone attended the 109th Precinct's annual community council BBQ. The precinct's community outreach efforts have strengthened their connections to the neighborhood. The 109th, along with the NYPD in its entirety, have greatly expanded their connections within our community to better serve us and keep us safe.

"Today I had the honor of speaking at the annual 109th precinct BBQ celebrating retired detective Kevin O'Donell." said Council Member Vallone ,"It's great to be able to spend time with those who work to keep our communities safe!"

_________________________________________________________________________

Council Member Vallone Congratulates EDC on LifeSci Investments

Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced a plan to double the City’s $500 million investment in life sciences to $1 billion as part of LifeSci NYC. The expanded initiative is expected to generate 40,000 jobs through investments supporting the construction of much-needed commercial lab space and incubators, nonprofit facilities to spur new research that translates into companies, jobs, medicines, and advanced technologies, as well as the expansion of the LifeSci NYC Internship program to develop the city’s life sciences talent pipeline.

In another step forward for the life sciences in NYC, they were recognized by the Public Design Commission with an Excellence in Design Award for the Public Health Laboratory at the Harlem Hospital Center. This new 230,000 sq ft building will further strengthen the City’s capability to protect and promote the health of all New Yorkers through testing and services for a wide range of clinical and environmental health-related concerns. From microbiology and virology, to immunology and biosafety, the new laboratory will enhance the City’s response to emerging public health challenges like COVID-19.

“I applaud the forward thinking investments that the City will make as part of the LifeSci initiative to expand our capacity as a world leader in fighting pandemics and increase life sciences research and development.”

said Council Member Paul A. Vallone, “ It is more important now than ever to ensure that we have a diversified economy in our city that spurs new research and creates jobs that will prevent future public health catastrophes."

Auburndale Soccer Club G2008 Strikers are Champions of the US Youth Soccer NY State Cup!

Auburndale Soccer Club's G2008 Strikers cap off another historic season as Champions of the United States Youth Soccer NY State Cup. This win, in a premier bracket, advances the girls to compete in the USYS Regional Cup later this month in New Jersey, with the potential to advance to the National Finals. In addition, the Auburndale Strikers finished tied for most points in their league, the USYS North Atlantic EDP Conference Premier League.

The team also holds titles as NYCSL Premier D1 Champions and Champions of the NYCSL Final Four Championship for their historic performance as U11s in 2019. The team will head to Regionals with an astonishing record of 29 consecutive games unbeaten dating back to 2019. It is the first girls team from Queens to hold these titles.

"These girls have achieved an incredible win and I applaud their hard work and success!" said Council Member Vallone, "I wish them the best at the Regional Cup later this month."

_________________________________________________________________________

ICYMI: 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.”

_________________________________________________________________________

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!

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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!

_________________________________________________________________________

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!

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________