Dear Neighbors,

As we welcome Autumn with a crisp breeze and earlier sunsets, lets spend time with our family and friends in all the wonderful places our district has to offer, from parks to restaruants theres something for everyone!

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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Vallone Tours Construction of State of the Art Queens Animal Shelter

Council Member's Law Mandated Shelter in Every Borough

On Wednesday Setpember 22nd, Council Member Vallone tourd the site for the future Animal Care Centers Queens based animal shelter. The shelter is a state of the art facility that will include space to care for animals, but also programs to assist families with the financial burdens of caring for pets to prevent animal surrender and create healthier and safer enviroments for our families and their furry friends.

"Seeing our family's vision and dream to care for animals throughout the city become a reality was truly breathtaking." said Council Member Vallone. "This Queens shelter will be a model for our entire country and I am so proud ot have been a part of it's creation!"

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Council Member Vallone Honored by Local Fort Totten Army Service Members

On Wednesday, September 19th, the local U.S. Army contigent on Fort Totten honored Council Member Vallone with a certificate of appreciation for his work and support for their retierement ceremony earlier this week.

“Yesterday I was honored to have recieved a certificate of appreciation from our local Fort Totten U.S. Army service members.”, said Council Member Vallone “Those who serve our country are true heroes, and I will always support them in any way I can.”

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Vallone Visits Douglaston Food Share's Final Week

On Sunday, September 27, Council Member Vallone attended the final Douglaston Food Share event that has sustained the local community throughout the pandemic. The food share has been a pivotal part of ensuring that our neighbors have had access to fresh food during these difficult times.

"The Douglaston Food Share has reaffirmed my faith in our community's ability to come together in times of need to care for each other", said Council Member Vallone, "The Douglaston LDC, Zion Episocopal Church, The Community Church of Douglaston and all other involved partners really came through for our community!"

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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