Dear Neighbors,

It has been wonderful to celebrate with so many in our community this week, from the Borough Preisdent's celebration of Italian culture, to the Center for the Women of New York's annual run/walk, and the Astoria Civic's last annual Charles J. Vallone scholarship dinner. I look back to the previous year, and I am so glad that we are now returning to normalcy.

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
 
_________________________________________________________________________

Council Member Vallone attends Final Charles J. Vallone Scholarship Dinner

Council Member Vallone attended the final Astoria Civic Association Judge Charles J. Vallone dinner dance on Saturday, October 16th. This dinner has been an incredible way to raise funds for a scholarship that has gone to students in New York for almost a century.

"The generosity of the Astoria Civic Association was on full display at this dinner." said Council Member Vallone, "This may be the final Judge Charles J Vallone dinner dance, but my grandfather's legacy will live on through the countless students who have had their dreams made possible by this scholarship"

_________________________________________________________________________

Council Member Vallone Co-Hosts Borough President's Italian American Heritage Month Celebration at Borough Hall

Council Member Vallone worked with Borough President Richards to host a wondeful celbration of Italian culture and heritage at borough hall on Thursday, October 14th. The event honored notable Italian Americans across our borough and featured italian music and food.

"My family has always been proud of our Italian-American heritage and we celebrate it in any way we can." said Council Member Vallone, "It is truly wonderful that we are able to come together and create a wonderful event for families in our community"

_________________________________________________________________________

Vallone Attends the Center for the Women of New York annual walk/run

On Saturday October 17th Council Member Vallone attended the Center for the Women of New York's annual run/walk. The Coucnil Member has worked with elected officals throught the district to raise over $4 million to renovate their headquarters in Fort Totten.

"The Center for the Women of New York is a wonderful organization that does incredible work for women across the city." said Council Member Vallone. "I am proud to have secured funding to help grow this organization and allow them to grow their programs and services well into the future."

_________________________________________________________________________

Parks Deparment Rescheduled Community Input Meeting on New Park in Bay Terrace

Parks has rescheduled it's community input meeting for the new park in bay terrace. This week NYC parks will be hosting an input session on the new park that will be built in Bay Terrace. This is the first new park in our district in decades, and community input is key to a successful project.

"After eight years of service to my community and my neighbors, securing funding and support for a brand new park in our district is one of the greatest achievements of my time in council." said Council Member Vallone, "I am glad that the community will have the opportunity to express their views on how to make this park a success, and a favorite of children for years to come!"

_________________________________________________________________________

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.

_________________________________________________________________________

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

_________________________________________________________________________