Celebrating the First Night of Hanukkah

Honored to celebrate the Festival of Lights with Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky and the Chabad of Northeast Queens at the Annual Menorah Lighting. I hope all of my friends in the Jewish community enjoy a joyous and blessed Hanukkah!

_________________________________________________________________________

Christmas and Holiday Blessings to All!

As we enter the magic of the Christmas season, let us always remember to embody the spirit of Christmas by spreading love and joy to others. I want to personally thank you all for your friendship and support this past year and every year, and I am honored to be your Council Member. I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year blessed with health and happiness!

— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Annual Holiday Celebration with St. Mary's Kids

It was a joyful Tuesday evening with Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League and my Student Ambassadors from Bayside High, Holy Cross, St. Agnes and WJPS as we spread some holiday cheer with our wonderful St. Mary's Kids!

Many thanks to all those who donated hundreds of toys to our drive and to Dr. Simpser and the St. Mary's Hospital staff who work so hard every day!

_________________________________________________________________________

Vallone Announces Whitestone Street Co-Naming for Decorated WWII Veteran

At Thursday’s Stated Meeting, the New York City Council approved legislation by Council Member Paul A. Vallone to co-name 156th Street between 14th Avenue and Cryders Lane, “CPL. John McHugh Way.”

John McHugh, born March 6, 1924, was drafted into the United States Army and served in the First Infantry Division in WWII. He fought at the Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge and received the following awards and recognitions:

The Silver Star for gallantry in action
Bronze Star for meritorious service,
European Theater of Operations Ribbon, which contains silver arrow head for the Normandy invasion
Four Bronze Stars which indicate the major battles he fought in,
Two Presidential Unit Citations for Crucifix Hill and Hurtgen Forest,
Combat Infantry Badge and the Fort Eger given by Belgium for action there during the war

In 2014, he was inducted into the state Senate Veterans Hall of Fame and was an honoree at the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade. Corporal McHugh passed away on July 21, 2019 at age 95.

“We as residents of Northeast Queens were blessed to have an American hero like Corporal John McHugh call our great neighborhood home,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “Corporal McHugh was a highly decorated veteran who fought bravely with the Allied powers at the historic Battle of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, major turning points in World War II. With this co-naming in the spring, we will honor a true man of courage.”

_________________________________________________________________________

This Paw-liday Season: Adopt, Don't Shop!

With the holiday season upon us, many may be looking for a new four-legged friend to join the family. This month, we will highlight two furry companions seeking forever homes who are being cared for by local nonprofits.

Please consider adopting this holiday season - and every season!

🐾🐾🐾🐾

Meet Ethan!

A volunteer writes: Ethan is a gorgeous young dog, with the shiniest brown coat. His face is perfectly split with a white line that runs up to his perpetually wrinkled brow. And he is elegant with long runners' legs. Eager to stretch them he tried out a slow trot a few times on our first walk together. On our second visit, well, we dressed Ethan up like a taco! He was a star getting into his Halloween costume, and showed off his perfect "sit" as we snapped pictures. He was bouncy as he chased his toys around the yard and made us belly laugh with his antics. On our way in and out he stopped to greet all his friends, which seemed to be everyone he's ever met! If you are looking for someone to stretch your legs with, and take to costume parties, run to Brooklyn ACC to meet Ethan today!

ID# 74977, Brooklyn Animal Care Center

Find out more here

🐾🐾🐾🐾

Meet Jazmyine!

A volunteer writes: I'm a petite tuxedo girl in my early 30's (8 years old in cat years) and I keep a really tidy kennel. When you stop by, I will welcome you with open paws. I love to be petted and I love company when I am eating, and I love most of all being petted while I am eating. In fact, I lose my appetite when you stop petting me. If you hear a whisper in your ear, that's Mrs. Claus telling you that I'm waiting for you. I am so excited thinking about our new life together!! Thank you Mrs. Claus, and Mr. Santa too.

ID# 80804, Manhattan Animal Care Center

Find out more here

_________________________________________________________________________

— MORE NEWS —

_________________________________________________________________________

How Would You Spend $1M for Northeast Queens?

Participatory Budgeting for District 19 is in full swing! If you would like to propose a project idea for this year’s Participatory Budgeting ballot to help improve our local parks, schools, libraries, etc, you can do so by contacting our office at [email protected] or calling 718-619-8611. Through Participatory Budgeting, you can directly decide how to spend at least $1 million in this year’s City budget.

After you have submitted your project idea, our office will contact you to discuss the next steps and how to turn your project ideas into real proposals for our ballot. These proposals will be up for a community-wide vote in the spring, where the projects that receive the most votes receive funding from our office!

_________________________________________________________________________

Holiday Lighting at Bowne Park!

The holidays are here at Bowne Park! Thanks to the Broadway Flushing Homeowners and Bowne Park Civic Associations for carrying on this festive tradition and to the Queens Community Children's Choir for their spirited performance!

_________________________________________________________________________

Swearing In the Bell Academy Student Council

It was a pleasure joining Principal Abbott Wednesday morning to swear in the new Student Council at BELL Academy! Congratulations to this outstanding group of young leaders!

_________________________________________________________________________

CASA Performance at PS 94

Great performance at PS 94 on Monday afternoon, where students put on their culminating dance program for parents and faculty! Always proud to fund our CASA programs and bring the arts to our schools!