Dear Neighbors,

I wish a very Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful dads in our community! I hope you are able to celebrate today's wonderful weather with your family and reflect on all the amazing things we do as fathers, and the things our fathers have done for us.

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 Willets Point Development Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Wednesday June 16th, Council Member Vallone attended the groundbreaking ceremony on the first phase of the redevelopment of Willets Point. The project will begin with an environmental remediation of the area before they begin building out the structures of the new development. This development will have a particular focus on affordability and climate resiliency while ensuring those who live there have access to quality education.

“I applaud the City, NYCEDC, and QDG on starting the transformation of Willets Point in with a focus on environmental sustainability and economic accessibility with a full scale cleanup and increased commitment to affordable housing” said Council Member Vallone, “This area has for too long been neglected and will now stand as a model for responsible neighborhood development by taking into consideration the needs of residents with a school and other necessary public services, and the impacts of climate change by raising the area above the new floodplain height.”

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Council Member Vallone attends Bayside High School Graduation at St. John's University

On Friday June 18th, the seniors at Bayside High School held their graduation ceremony in person on the Great Lawn of St. John's Univeristy. After a year of great adversity, they were able to celebrate with each other and their loved ones in person as they move from High School to the next phases of their lives.

"I applauld the students and faculty of Bayside High School on the momentus occasion of the graduation of the Class of 2021", said Council Member Vallone, "I am sure that they are ready for great things, and that a bright future lies ahead of them!"

Council Member Vallone Attends PS 32 Flag Day Ceremony

On Friday June 18th, Council Member Vallone attended PS 32's Flag Day Ceremony. Initially the ceremony was scheduled for the previous Mondy, but inclement weather made a postponement of festivities necessary.

"PS 32 would not let rain stop their celebration of Flag Day! I was glad to celebrate our country with the wonderful students and educators there today in this beautiful weather." said Council Member Vallone

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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.”

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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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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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