— IN THE PAST WEEK —

Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone continues to stay healthy and safe!

NYC DOE school buildings will reopen for 3-K, Pre-K and K-5 students on
Monday, December 7. They will reopen for District 75 students on Thursday,
December 10. Be sure to visit the [1]DOE website for the latest updates.

As we enter the holiday season at the end of a very challenging year,
I urge you to remember: by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing,
looking after our seniors and most vulnerable neighbors, and getting
tested, we can continue to stop the spread of COVID19 and be well.

Thank you and stay well,
Council Member Paul Vallone

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Reminiscing on our

Children's Holiday Parade!

On the weekend of what would have been our annual Children's Holiday Parade
& Tree Lighting in Bayside, please enjoy these scenes from our festive 2018
event! I hope you and your family enjoy a safe, healthy and very happy
holiday season!

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"Authorities Crack Down On Illegal Parking Around Harvey Park"

"Police are cracking down on trucks and trash haulers illegally parking
around Harvey Park in Queens.

City Council Member Paul Vallone and officers from the NYPD's 109th
Precinct have teamed up to put a stop to commercial trucks,
tractor-trailers and garbage trucks parking at all hours outside the park,
in violation of city parking rules for commercial vehicles, according to a
news release.

The presence of the massive trucks had prompted safety concerns among some
who frequent the park, including the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League, whose
members use the fields for youth sports.

"Commercial trucks constantly lined up along the perimeter of the park
decrease visibility and pose a risk to pedestrians seeking safe access to
this popular greenspace," Vallone said. "I thank Commanding Officer John
O'Connell and the 109th Precinct for their attention to this issue and look
forward to our continued partnership."

Police officers have recently handed out 15 summonses to illegally parked
truck drivers, according to Vallone's office."

Read the Full Article at [2]Bayside Patch

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City Invests $20 Million to Create Pandemic Response Institute,
Strengthening Long-Term Health Infrastructure

This past week, Mayor de Blasio announced the creation of the Pandemic
Response Institute (PRI), a facility dedicated to preparing New York City
and other jurisdictions for future health emergencies and epidemics. PRI
will strengthen New York City’s health infrastructure, build on the success
of the Pandemic Response Lab and recent experiences in epidemic response,
and position the City as a global leader in research, innovation, and
pandemic response.

This effort is part of the Administration’s long-term recovery agenda,
which seeks to accelerate the City’s economic recovery by building on the
network of premier hospital systems, world leading medical universities,
and growing life sciences and tech sectors to make New York City the public
health capital of the world.

"Building on knowledge gleaned during the COVID-19 pandemic response,
enhancing our health infrastructure and activating local talent are key
components that will inform New York City's future public health response
procedures and partnerships," said Council Member Paul Vallone, Chair of
the Economic Development Committee. "Combining all of these factors is the
Pandemic Response Institute, which will help drive both health sector
innovation and critical economic growth in the five boroughs for years to
come."

Read Coverage at [3]AMNY

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Emergency Preparedness Presentation

Please join us on Tuesday! [4]Register here

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Queens Holiday Toy Drive

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is hosting a toy drive in partnership with
the Child Center of NY. If you're able to give, please do so and help bring
a smile to a local child's face this holiday season!

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Whitestone Holiday Light Fundraiser

The Whitestone Merchants Association is working to bring holiday lights to
our streets again this winter! They will be raising funds throughout the
season. Donation information can be found below:

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ICYMI: "Queens Lawmaker Helps Pass Legislation to Combat Age Discrimination
in the Workforce"

"The City Council unanimously passed a package of bills Thursday that seek
to prevent age discrimination in the workforce.

The [5]five bills, which were co-sponsored by Northeast Queens Council
Member Paul Vallone, aim to combat ageism in the workforce on a number of
fronts, most notably through the establishment of a new office called the
Center for Older Workforce Development (COWD).

The center will be tasked with developing an older workforce by helping
older adults secure work. The center will host job, language and technical
training along with offering other career-building assistance for older
adults.

A COWD website will be launched to promote the inclusion and retention of
older adults in the municipal workforce.

Under the new legislation, the Department for the Aging (DFTA) will be
required to provide guidance and support to the center and the New York
City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) will conduct a two-year study on age
discrimination in the workplace.

Vallone, who serves on the council’s Committee on Aging and is chair of the
Committee on Economic Development, said age discrimination in the workforce
was a pressing issue that needed to be addressed.

“It is unacceptable that our older New Yorkers continue to face
discrimination and harassment at all stages of employment due to age
discrimination, which persists as one of the most prevalent forms of
discrimination in the American workplace,” Vallone said."

Read the full story at [6]Queens Post

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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 [7][link removed]
or text "NYC FOOD" to 877-877.

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Stopping the Spread of COVID-19

Getting tested for COVID-19 or antibodies? Here is the difference between
the two tests:
* Virus tests tell you if you have COVID-19 and are currently sick.
* Antibody tests tell you if you had COVID-19 at some point in the past.

Learn more about testing [8]here

NYC is one of the first local jurisdictions in the country to put out
COVID19 testing frequency recommendations. Find out how often you should be
getting tested: [9][link removed]

Testing is widely available, and you can now get tested even if you are
asymptomatic. Testing is free, quick, and easy, and you do not need
insurance.

⦿ Text 'COVID TEST' to 855-48 to find the closest testing location or visit
[10]nyc.gov/COVIDtest

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New: Open Storefronts

Have you heard about Open Storefronts? Ground floor storefront businesses
can now use a portion of the sidewalk to conduct business until December
31.

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 [11]here!

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Working Through the

Coronavirus Outbreak Together

PHASE 4 REOPENING

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Open Restaurants Program

The City has announced guidance for the Open Restaurants program, which
allows qualifying restaurants and bars to expand outdoor seating on
sidewalks, curb lanes, backyards, patios, plazas, and Open Streets.

The Open Restaurants initiative will give restaurant owners the power to
expand and offer food service in the open air, keeping diners safe and
offering New Yorkers a way to enjoy a meal while supporting their local
small business, whose success will be a critical part of a strong economic
recovery.

Read more and apply [12]here!

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Free Face Coverings for Small Businesses

and their Employees

The City of New York will distribute 4 million face coverings citywide to
small businesses and their employees as we move toward reopening the local
economy. To get these resources to you and your employees, the NYC
Department of Small Business Services and NYC Department of Consumer and
Worker Protection are working with business-serving partner organizations
throughout the five boroughs.

If you are a small business looking to secure free face coverings for your
employees, visit [13]this City website to find a distribution partner
located near you. You should contact partner organizations in advance, most
organizations have varying hours for pick up.

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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 [14]GoFundMe

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Please note the following City and State guidelines and determinations:
For the duration of the outbreak, the following precautions are strongly
encouraged to keep you and your family healthy:
* Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds
every time, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Do not touch your face unless you recently washed your hands.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or
coughing. Do not use your hands.
* When in public, practice social distancing of at least six feet from
others.
* If you are an older adult or have a chronic health conditions, avoid
unnecessary gatherings.
* Most importantly, #StaySafeStayHome!

We will continue to share the latest updates and resources with the
community as they are reported to help ensure everyone stays informed.
Follow our [15]Facebook and [16]Twitter for the latest.

Please sign up to get email updates from New York State on the evolving
COVID-19 situation at [17][link removed].

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— MORE NEWS —

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Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park

A new local group has formed with the mission to ensure Crocheron & John
Golden Park will provide all visitors with beautiful open spaces.

Learn more about their fundraising and event organization efforts [18]here

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— IMPORTANT RESOURCES —

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718-268-5011

Commonpoint is also offering free full day childcare to families working as
essential workers. [19]Inquire here

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— UPCOMING EVENTS & COMMUNITY INFO —

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Thanks for reading! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do
not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Hon. Paul A. Vallone

New York City Council, District 19

42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 507

Bayside, New York 11361

718.619.8611

[email protected]

Follow me on [20]Facebook, [21]Twitter and [22]Instagram

References

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Council Member Paul Vallone | Council Member Paul Vallone | 42-40 Bell Boulevard, Suite 507 | Bayside, New York 11361
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