Dear Neighbors,

As we prepare for Thanksgiving this year we should take a moment to reflect on the things that we often took for granted before the last few years. As I gather this year with my friends and family I will hold that time dear and realize how luck we are to be together.

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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Council Member Vallone Chairs Hearing on Tourism Recovery in New York City

On Monday, November 15th, Council Members Paul Vallone and Jimmy van Bramer co-chaired a joint hearing of the Economic Development and Cultural Affairs committees to ascertain if New York City was prepared to reopen our doors to vaccinated international tourists. They gathered testimony from NYC & Co., the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Times Square Alliance, and other organizations that are vital to tourism in our city.

The COVID 19 pandemic decimated the tourism industry in New York, and after almost 2 years of restrictions on foreign travel to the city, vaccinated travelers will again be able to enjoy everything we have to offer.

Restoring toursim to our city is key to fully healing our battered economy as many industries are dependent on tourst dollars,” said Councilmember Paul Vallone. "I applaud the numerous organizations that have been working to keep our city's toursit sector afloat through the last few years, and have truly created a comprehensive strategy to get us back to where we were before the pandemic."

"As we rejoice with the successful return of Broadway, performing arts, nightlife, music and sports venues, the industry is still challenged as not all international borders have reopened, business meetings and conferences have not fully returned, and the coronavirus variants remain a threat to our “new normal.”" said NYC&Co's Executive Vice President of Research and Insights Dr. Donna Keren, "NYC & Company will continue to support our industry by stimulating demand from hyperlocal, regional, national, and international vistors."

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Council Member Vallone Honored by Students and Faculty at PS 130

On Tuesday November 16th, Council Member Vallone was honored by the students and faculty at PS 130 in Auburndale. The Council Member has worked to ensure that all schools in our district have been able to upgrade their technology and other facilities to meet the needs of their students. He has worked to secure millions of dollars for these upgrades during his tenure.

"I am deeply honored by these students and teachers, and I am very glad to see that the work I've done over the last eight years has had such a deep impact on those who I've sworn to serve." said Council Member Vallone, "As I look at our community I know that those who serve it now will lead us into a great future!"

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Council Member Vallone Attends A Better College Point Civic Meeting

On Tuesday November 16th, Council Member Vallone attended the final meeting of the A Better College Point Civic Association for 2021. The organization has been working diligently to improve the quality of roads in the community and create deeper connections between community members and the government organizations that serve them.

"Organizations like A Better College Point are integral to insuring that a community has strong advocates." said Council Member Vallone, "I am glad to see that College Point will be left in the capable hands of this organization and thier leader Jennifer Shannon."

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Council Member Vallone Swears in PS 193 Student Council in Whitestone

On Tuesday November 16th, Council Member Vallone swore in the new student council at PS 193 in Whitestone. Student council is a great way to engage students in the electoral process and civics and teach them about the importance of public service. Council Member Vallone has made education a priority of he eight years in office and has worked to secure over $42 million for schools in our district during his tenure as Council Member for District 19.

"I am proud to see the students at PS 193 enthusiastically volunteer to serve there community through the student council." said Council Member Vallone, "I am also glad to see how the schools in our district have transformed over the last decade and how our district is on solid footing for the decade to come!"

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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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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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