— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Vallone Announces Expansion of
Free Queens Senior Transportation Program

Council Member Paul A. Vallone was joined by Selfhelp Vice President of External Relations and Communications Sandy Myers and local seniors to announce that the free senior transportation program will begin again on Oct. 10. Vallone is proud to have nearly quadrupled the amount of funding for this successful program since 2017, when he allocated $40,000 to pilot the program.

This year, Council Member Vallone allocated $90,000 for seniors living in his Northeast Queens district, while Speaker Johnson secured another $50,000 at the request of the City Council’s Queens Delegation to provide expanded services to seniors across the entire borough of Queens. In addition, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz allocated $10,000 to the program.

To make an appointment, seniors can call the Selfhelp Clearview Senior Center at 718-224-7888 between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon to schedule their next-day rides. Those who use the service will need to fill out a basic application with demographic information and an emergency contact and provide their destination. When ready for pickup, the senior will call again for their return trip.

Selfhelp Community Services will work in partnership with Four Twos and Central Car Service to schedule rides. The program will operate until the funds are depleted.

“I’m excited to announce the awaited return of our Free Senior Transportation Program, which will kick off again on Thursday, Oct. 10,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “Since we began the program four years ago, thousands of rides to and from important medical appointments have been provided to our borough's seniors ⁠— at no cost to them. In just a few years, we’ve been able to nearly quadruple funding amounts for the program, enabling us to provide this vital service to seniors throughout Queens. I thank Speaker Johnson, Queens Borough President Katz and the Queens Delegation for their support and Selfhelp Community Services for always being an outstanding community partner.”

“This is wonderful news,” said Frank Pavone, 93. “I recently fell, but now I’m back and on my feet again thanks to my doctors. The most important thing is for seniors to have reliable transportation to get to our doctor’s appointments. This program makes a big difference for us and our families.”

Read Coverage:

Queens Courier

Queens Chronicle

Patch

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Vallone Hosts Italian Heritage Celebration at City Hall

On Thursday night, Council Member Paul A. Vallone was proud to co-sponsor A Celebration of Italian Heritage in observance of National Italian American Heritage Month. Within the City Council Chambers, Vallone honored Joseph DiPietro, President of the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens (FIAO), with a New York City Council Proclamation for his outstanding character and service to the community.

Mr. DiPietro was born in Sicily, Italy, and has been a resident of Astoria, Queens, since 1966. In 1992, Mr. DiPietro’s passion for the community led him to get involved with the FIAO, and in his role as President, he has led the organization to meet the needs of the Italian-American community in matters including immigration, foreign pensions, health and social issues and cultural events. Mr. DiPietro served as chair of the 2004-2005 Queens Columbus Day Parade and he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition. He is also co-founder, former President and the current Vice President of the Astoria Italia Soccer Club, a team he has coached since 1995.

Consul General of Italy in New York, the Hon. Francesco Genuardi, delivered remarks at the event. LaGuardia Arts High School student Victoria Pinto performed the American and Italian National Anthems and the Landrum School of Performing Arts led a dance performance.

“For centuries, Italian Americans have helped shape the course of our nation’s history,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “I’m proud to co-sponsor the Italian Heritage Celebration at City Hall and recognize outstanding Italian Americans like Joe DiPietro for their immeasurable contributions to the Borough of Queens and the City of New York!”

View More Photos: Flickr

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Vallone Marches in the 75th Annual Columbus Day Parade

Proud Monday morning to join Governor Andrew Cuomo and the thousands who filled Fifth Avenue to march in celebration of Italian American heritage at the 75th Annual Parade! Thank you to the Columbus Citizen Foundation for once again organizing this special NYC tradition!

View More Photos: Flickr

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Italian Cultural Society Dinner Dance

A night to remember on Monday celebrating Italian Heritage and Culture at the Italian Cultural Society of NY's annual Dinner Dance in Howard Beach! A pleasure to introduce my NYC Council colleague Bob Holden, who was honored with the Chairman's Award. Viva l'Italia!

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Coming Together with the John Lennon Tour Bus

On Tuesday morning, I stopped by Holy Cross High School, where a group of students worked to write and produce a song and music video in one day with The Lennon Bus! The school also received a package of instruments and equipment to incorporate into curriculum.

Proud to fund this unique experience and see our students thrive!

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Touring NewYork-Presbyterian Queens

Productive tour and meeting this morning with the leadership of NewYork-Presbyterian Queens to discuss all of the great work happening at this healthcare system!

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QICA Legislative Breakfast

Great morning speaking at the Queens Interagency Council on the Aging's Legislative Forum about our efforts to support our city's older adults in the latest budget.

We will continue to work hard to make sure that our seniors are well represented in all levels of government.

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Join Us For Our Final Outdoor Movie Night of the Year!