On June 30, OANA had its second online meeting streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. Guest speakers shared important information and updates about their institutions as we all adapt to phase two of reopening the city. Queens Park Commissioner Michael Dockett informed about amenities within the parks that are available, such as playgrounds and athletic fields. More athletic spaces and other amenities will become available when phase three is reached. Dockett expects cooperation from the public by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. The park staff provides masks as needed. Local park manager Shirley Echevarria informed that park staffing was reduced due to budget cuts. Echevarria asks the public to collaborate on health precautions by sanitizing playgrounds, given that staff has not been able to do it. President of Green Shores NYC Katie Ellman presented the all-volunteer organization’s vision and goals. It advocates for equal access to the waterfront of the East River by creating social and environmental spaces outside and inside the river that the public can enjoy. She stated that the organization has removed 10,000 gallons of shoreline trash. On that note, Ellman invited the public to participate on the virtual discussion panel on “The Story of Plastic.” It will be held on the Green Shores NYC Facebook page on July 7 at 7 p.m. A moment of gratitude and acknowledgment for Clare Doyle was held in between presentations. Doyle has stepped down from her roles as Vice President of Green Shores NYC and blogger for OANA as she is headed to Ireland. Audrey Dimola from Socrates Sculptural Park provided information on events at the park, including a monument presentation by artist Jeffrey Gibson called “Because Once You Enter My House, It Becomes Our House,” starting July 10. A virtual tour of the monument and three live streams...

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The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association had its first online monthly meeting through a Livestream on Facebook last Wednesday, May 27. It was hosted by president Richard Khuzami who shared the screen with guest speakers that hold different roles in the neighborhood. The viewers were updated on important topics concerning the current situation as New York City takes steps towards reopening. In her presentation, hospital Mount Sinai Queens’ Vice President and COO Judy Trilivas talked about what has become her “new normal.” As the curve of COVID-19 cases declines in the city, the hospital has returned to providing some services that were suspended once the virus hit. Mount Sinai has also launched a two-week pilot program implemented by Governor Cuomo to test limited visitation. The criteria for the pilot consists of four-hours a day visits per patient, one visitor at a time, the visitors must be wearing appropriate PPE, they must check their temperature and for other symptoms, they must be at least 18 years old and the visiting hours are limited from 9 am to 6 pm. “I’m happy to say that yesterday was the first day. Families were so thankful, and we had over 50 visitors already seeing their patients,” Trilivas said. “It went very smoothly.” Switching the subject, but remaining under the same circumstances, Jin Kim delivered a message about the 2020 Census. Kim urged the viewers to collaborate with the constitutional survey, promising the process to be important, safe, and easy. He explained that the data collected determines eligibility for federal funding, which is why it is important for all to be represented. He also guaranteed complete privacy and confidentiality from the Census Bureau. “We provide numbers, not identities,” Kim said. Due to COVID-19, the survey is available online for the first time. In addition, it can...

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