Dear Neighbors,

This weekend was a solemn memorial for our city as we remember all that we lost 20 years ago on September 11th, 2001. We all remember the fear from that day, but what sticks with me is the resilency we came together as a community of 8 million people to grieve and heal after such a tragic event.

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 vaccinated we can continue to stay well and overcome this pandemic.

Please find below the latest news and resources to stay informed.

Thank you and stay well,

Council Member Paul Vallone
 
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District 19 Commemorates 20 Years after September 11, 2001

This weekend Council Member Vallone attended 9/11 memorials across this district to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center. Events were held by the Northwest Bayside Civic Association, the FDNY, Friends of Francis Lewis, and Bayside Hills Civic Assocaition.

"The tragedy of that day is still felt just as acutely 20 years later. Our City suffered and many of us lost so much." said Council Member Vallone. "After that tragedy, New York City came together and our strength and resiliency shone through the darkness as we worked together as neighbors to care for each other and heal"

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Council Member Vallone attends Red Vest Day at QSAC to Celebrate Lowe's 100 Hometown's Project in Our Community

On Thursday, September 9th, Council Member Vallone attended Red Vest Day at the Quality Servies for the Autistic Community School in Whitestone. Red Vest Day is an event hosted by Lowe's to connect their employees more deeply to the communities they servce. Recently as a part of their 100 Hometowns initiative, Lowe's generously dontated time, resources, and money to renovate QSAC's space and provide much appreciated upgrades to the building and add a garden and a playground outside.

“We are extremely grateful for the incredible investment Lowe’s has decided to make to help serve the autism community within our district as part of their 100 Hometowns campaign”, said Council Member Vallone “I am proud to have immediately connected Lowe’s with the incredible organization of QSAC right here in Whitestone, Queens. The autism community will truly benefit from this infusion of resources for generations to come.”

"We are grateful to Lowe’s for seeing the importance and need in investing in our Whitestone school through the 100 Hometowns Project.” said Lisa Veglia, CEO of QSAC “We also are thankful for the continued support and leadership of Council Member Vallone, who without it this opportunity would not have been possible. This award will allow us to make necessary upgrades and improvements that need attention.”

Read More Here

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Council Member Vallone Attends Annual Malba Car Show

On Sunday, September 12th, Council Member Vallone attended the Malba Car Show. This car show is held annualy on the water to celebrate the ingenutiy, craftsmanship, and design of some of the most well knows automobile manufacturers

"It is always great to see these American legends kept in such incredible condition." said Council Member Vallone, "I'm always grateful to be able to experience these amazing cars and the great people who keep them driving!"

ICYMI : Council Member Vallone Secures Record $37 Million for Northeast Queens

On Wednesday June 30, the New York City Council passed the City budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and Council Member Paul A. Vallone is proud to announce that in the final budget of his tenure in office, he was able to fight for and secure a record $37 million for improvements throughout Northeast Queens. In eight years of fiscal budgets, Vallone has now secured well over $160 million in additional funding for Northeast Queens including over $42 million for upgrades at local schools and over $71 million for improvements to parks in his Council District.

The Council Member, in partnership with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards or New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson funded the following projects within Council Member Vallone’s District:

$4.5 million to College Point Fields to convert an existing baseball field into soccer fields.

$2.75 million to Raymond O’Connor Park to build pathways and renovate their synthetic soccer fields.

$2.7 million for the Center for the Women of New York building renovations at Fort Totten.

$500K to build an outdoor reading garden at the Auburndale Library.

$440K for auditorium audiovisual upgrades at P.S. 209

$150K for NYPD security cameras throughout our district to help combat quality of life issues like drag racing in our community.

“I have fought hard to make sure that Northeast Queens was not ignored and given our fair share and recognition that it deserves as a part of this great city”, said Council Member Vallone “ I am proud to have been able to bring so many resources to my community in partnership with fellow elected officials. We are excited for the future of our district, and the impact of these projects will be felt for generations to come.”

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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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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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