THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JANUARY 10, 2019

VOL. 19 • NUMBER 2 • JANUARY 10, 2019

CAPTURED Fugitive Charged in 2017 Ozone

Park Slay Finally Nabbed in Brooklyn after Tense Standoff with Law Enforcement

Wilbert Bryant, 54, was taken into custody Friday morning inside his Prospect Lefferts Gardens apartment following a 2.5-hour stalemate with FBI agents and NYPD detectives. He was See Story indicted last March, along with three others, for the Oct. 23, 2017 murder of an Ozone on Page 3 Park business owner.

Photo Courtesy of Google

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number2 JANUARY 10, 2019 | 1

Cuomo, MTA Announce L Train Shutdown Averted

By Michael V. Cusenza In a stunning, nearly 11th-hour development, the dreaded L Train shutdown was granted clemency as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Thursday accepted the recommendations of a panel of experts from Columbia University and Cornell University engineering schools that determined a complete closure of the tunnel is unnecessary.

The report, which followed weeks of extensive review and analysis by the deans and faculty of the schools, presents a series of innovative engineering methods to streamline the required repair work and limit the impact on L Train service, one of the most widely used lines that provides 400,000 daily rides, according to the agency. Work could be completed on nights and weekends only, with a single tube providing continued service in both directions during work periods.

The plan has been presented to and reviewed by the MTA, and it has been confirmed that the report’s goals are achievable within a 15 to 20-month timeframe. The MTA still plans to implement ad-

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor

Cuomo (r.) noted that the alternative plan for the L Train renovation “would be faster, better, and probably less expensive.”

ditional subway service where needed, including on the G, M, and 7 Trains.

In 2012, the 1.5-mile L Train Tunnel was filled with corrosive salt water due to Superstorm Sandy. As a result, the 100-yearold tunnel sustained critical damage, including the Circuit Breaker House, system and power cables, and the cement benchwall that holds and protects the cables. Crucial repair work was planned to be-

gin in the spring of 2019, including removing and replacing all 32,000 feet of benchwall, as well as installing 126,000 feet of power cable and 176,000 feet of communications cable inside the benchwall.

Prior to Thursday, this work required a complete shutdown of the L through the tunnel for 15 months.

In December 2018, Gov. Andrew Cuomo impaneled an expert review team to do a final analysis of

the plan ahead of the L Project and its tunnel shutdown. The review team was charged with examining the current plan and recommending new designs, new systems, or technology that would improve the project and/or expedite the timetable, or confirm the current plan as the best way forward.

Members of the panel toured the L Train Tunnel, as well as the Hudson River tunnel along with Amtrak leadership to further inform

their analysis. They also consulted with MTA and New York City Transit, the project contractors, and conducted their own intensive analysis and performed hundreds of hours of pro bono work.

While the new plan eliminates the need for a complete shutdown of the tunnel, L Train Project rebuilding and improvements will continue as planned to address long–term capacity on the line, the MTA indicated. These include constructing new power substations; storm and flooding resiliency measures; and station improvements. “[On Thursday], an alternative plan for the L Train renovation was presented which would be faster, better and probably less expensive,” the governor noted.

“For the plan to proceed, the MTA Board would have to alter current contracts with the contractors presently engaged in the tunnel’s restoration. I urge the MTA Board to hold an emergency meeting to review the alternative plan and allow the public the opportunity to understand and comment on the plan, and for the MTA Board, in its discretion, to commence a revised plan if that is their conclusion.

City Unveils $100M Plan to Guarantee Health Care for All New Yorkers

By Forum Staff The City will launch “the largest, most comprehensive plan in the nation” to guarantee health care for every New Yorker— with an estimated $100 million annual price tag, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Tuesday.

The policy, according to Hizzoner, will serve the 600,000 residents without insurance by strengthening NYC’s public health insurance option, MetroPlus, and guaranteeing anyone ineligible for insurance – including undocumented New Yorkers – has direct access to NYC Health + Hospitals’ physicians, pharmacies and mental health and substance abuse services through a new program called NYC Care. All services will be affordable on a sliding scale, de Blasio indicated. The programs will include customer-friendly call lines to help New Yorkers – regardless of their insurance – make appointments with general practitioners, cardiologists, pediatricians, gynecologists and a full spectrum of health care services.

Approximately 8 million New Yorkers have health insurance, and the uninsured rate is nearly half of what it was in 2013. De Blasio credited the Affordable Care Act with those two accomplishments. The mayor also noted that in the last two years, the City Public Engagement Unit coordinated sign-

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“Health care is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it,” Mayor de Blasio said.

ing up more than 130,000 New Yorkers for plans through the exchanges created by the law. However, about 600,000 New Yorkers remain without insurance, because they do not or cannot enroll. The City aims to better connect people to more effective and affordable health care in one of two ways: • NYC Care: The City has pledged to connect hundreds of thousands of New

2 JANUARY 10, 2019 • Number 2 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Yorkers who are ineligible for health insurance – including undocumented New Yorkers and those who cannot afford insurance – to reliable care. Anyone will be able to access care across NYC Health + Hospitals’ more than 70+ locations, once the program is fully ramped up. NYC Care is open to anyone who does not have an affordable insurance option and will be priced on a sliding

scale, to ensure affordability. NYC Care will provide a primary care doctor and will provide access to specialty care, prescription drugs, mental health services, hospitalization, and more, de Blasio noted on Tuesday.

• NYC’s Public Option: The City will double down on efforts to boost enrollment in MetroPlus, its public option. MetroPlus provides free or affordable health insurance that connects insurance-eligible New Yorkers to a network of providers that includes NYC Health + Hospitals’ 11 hospitals and 70 clinics. MetroPlus serves as an affordable option for people on Medicaid, Medicare, and those purchasing insurance on the exchange. The City is committed to strengthening MetroPlus and connecting more independent workers, City vendors and City workers to that option. It also will improve the quality of the MetroPlus customer experience through improved access to clinical care, mental health services, and wellness rewards for healthy behavior.

“Health care is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it,” de Blasio added.

NYC Care will launch in summer 2019 and will roll out geographically, starting in the Bronx. It will be fully available to all New Yorkers across the five boroughs in 2021. The program will cost at least $100 million annually at full scale.

Addabbo Touts New Laws on the Books in 2019

By Michael V. Cusenza The dawn of a new year means new laws on the books. State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) on Monday detailed a few pieces of legislation that he’s looking forward to in 2019.

The state minimum wage increase took effect on Monday, Dec. 31. For workers in New York City employed by large businesses (those with at least 11 employees), the minimum wage rose to $11 at the end of 2016, then another $2 each year after, reaching $15 on Dec. 31, 2018. For workers in NYC employed by small businesses (those with 10 employees or fewer), the minimum wage rose to $10.50 at the end of 2016, then another $1.50 each year after, reaching $13.50 on Dec. 31, 2018, and rising to $15 on Dec. 31, 2019.

Addabbo co-sponsored the State Drug Take Back Act, which goes into effect this year. He pointed out that the new measure will enable consumers to more safely and conveniently dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted medications through on-site pharmacy collections, prepaid mail-back envelopes, and other means—all subsidized by drug manufacturers.

“This new law will aid consumers, help reduce access to dangerous opioids left Photo Courtesy of TWU Local 100 sitting in family medicine cabinets, and Addabbo informed his constituents this week about new State laws set to go into effect this year. protect our environment from contami-

nation with pharmaceuticals,” the senator said.

Addabbo also co-sponsored legislation that will take effect in 2019 to provide new health care and death benefits to volunteer firefighters diagnosed with a variety of cancers.

The senator also noted that the State’s new paid family leave program expands this year to provide workers with 10 weeks of paid time off—instead of eight—to bond with a new child or care for seriously ill family members. Employees participating in the program will now receive 55 percent of their wages while on leave, instead of the 50 percent offered in 2018.

Additional new laws include one that requires that all new and renovated buildings with public bathrooms be equipped with diaper changing tables in both women’s and men’s restrooms.

“The new year is looking brighter for our environment and workers, those who need to deal with family issues without bankrupting themselves and improved wages. As a strong supporter of these initiatives, I am delighted they are now in effect,”Addabbo added. “As we begin the 2019 New York State Legislative Session on Jan. 9, I look forward to building on these accomplishments and addressing many other important issues affecting my constituents and New Yorkers statewide.”

Man Indicted for 2017 Ozone Park Murder Finally Captured in Brooklyn

By Michael V. Cusenza A Brooklyn man under indictment for the 2017 murder of an Ozone Park business owner was captured on Friday following a long, tense standoff with law enforcement that also saw shots fired inside the fugitive’s Prospect Lefferts Gardens apartment.

Wilbert Bryant, 54, was taken into custody two-and-a-halfhours after officers first knocked on his third-floor apartment’s front door. He entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment in Brooklyn federal court. According to prosecutors, Bryant did not have a bail package to offer and was ordered detained.

On Oct. 23, 2017, three suitclad crooks burst into Garden Valley Distributors, a grocery wholesaler located on 101st Avenue and 99th Street, demanded money, shot owner Hani Kasem in the face and pistol whipped his son across the head before fleeing empty handed. Kasem, 64, lingered on life support at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for several days

In response, according to the indictment, Elder began a campaign of intimidation against Kasem’s son and his family.

Among other things, Elder paid another man to throw a rock through a window of the home of the son and his father. When the rock did not lead to repayment of the loan, Elder sent the treacherous trio into Garden Valley on that Monday in October.

“When criminals loan money to business owners, they know they’re never going to get repaid, it’s why they loan out the money,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation NY Assistant Director-in-Charge Bill Sweeney. “No one should have to pay criminals with their life,” Photo Courtesy of Google Bryant has been charged On Oct. 23, 2017, the alleged perps burst into Garden Valley Distributors, a grocery wholesaler located on 101st Avenue and 99th Street, with extortionate collection of demanded money, shot owner Hani Kasem in the face and pistol whipped his son across the head before fleeing empty handed. Kasem later died at Jamaica Hospital. credit conspiracy, extortionate collection of credit, unlawful before succumbing to his inju- Kasem and his 32-year-old son to support the business. By use and possession of firearms, ries. that “Sam” or “Big Sam” had March 2017, Elder demanded and causing death through use According to charging docu- sent them to collect his money. full repayment of the loan, but of a firearm. If convicted, the ments, Bryant, Dwayne Ling, Ppassim Elder, 38, who was the son could not afford to repay minimum sentenced he could 55, and Frederick McCoy, 52, known as “Sam” and “Big Sam,” it because much of the money receive is 10 years in prison; were the alleged blazer-wearing had given the murder victim’s had been used to purchase mer- the maximum sentence is life in perpetrators. They declared to son a loan, which the son used chandise for Garden Valley. prison.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number2 JANUARY 10, 2019 | 3

Brown Calls it a Career: Long-time Queens DA won't Seek Re-election

By Michael V. Cusenza Richard Brown, the borough’s longest-serving district attorney, announced on Wednesday that, “after careful thought and consideration,” he will finish out his current term and not seek re-election.

“It has been an honor and privilege to have served the people of Queens County – the most ethnically diverse county in the world – for these many years as district attorney. I am deeply appreciative and humbled to have had the trust and confidence that they have expressed by electing me to seven full terms in office,” the man affectionately known as “Judge Brown” wrote in a lengthy statement.

Born in Brooklyn in 1932, but raised in Queens, Brown received a bachelor’s degree from Hobart College in Upstate NY and graduated from New York University School of Law. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in October 1956.

Early in his career, Brown worked in legal positions for the New York State Senate Assembly Leadership and at the 1967 New York State Constitutional Conven-

In October 2018, Brown posed with the 25 new assistant district attorneys that he appointed.

tion. He also served as Gotham Mayor John Lindsay’s legislative representative in Albany from 1970 to 1973.

Appointed as a judge of the Criminal Court bench in September 1973, he served two years before becoming the Supervising Judge of the Brooklyn Criminal Court, assuming full operational and administrative responsibility for that court. Brown was designated an acting Supreme Court Justice in January 1976, and

was elected the following year to a full term on the Queens County Supreme Court.

While on the Brooklyn bench in 1977, Brown presided over the arraignment of the “Son of Sam,” David Berkowitz.

After DA John Santucci abruptly retired, Brown was appointed interim Queens district attorney by former Gov. Mario Cuomo on June 1, 1991. He was elected to a full term in November 1991, and was re-

Cops Return Stolen Wheelchair to Jackson Heights Woman chair to a Jackson Heights woman and her grateful mom.

Antonia Martinez woke up the day after Christmas to discover that the $5,000 wheelchair her daughter Michelle Molina, 18, relies on to get around had been swiped outside their apartment. Molina suffers from Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops, causing a progressive loss of motor skills and speech, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Martinez filed a police report and 115th Precinct Neighborhood Coordination Officers Tyler Scala and Bryan Leibold, and Det. Michael Fischer quickly went to work. According to the NYPD, all three investigators were sifting through surveillance footage from the area when they discovered that they actually had the crime on tape.

The officers then received a tip from a good Samaritan, located the chair, and brought it back to Molina. Minera Martinez, 34, was arPhoto Courtesy of NYPD rested for the crime and charged with thirdAntonia Martinez beams as her daughter’s wheelchair is returned by cops. degree grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and criminal trespass.

“We knew how important this wheelchair

By Michael V. Cusenza was to Michelle, so we had to do whatever we Intrepid NYPD investigators recently could and as fast as we could to ensure she foiled a theft and returned a custom wheel- wasn’t inconvenienced any longer,” Scala said.

4 JANUARY 10, 2019 • Number 2 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Photo Courtesy of DA Brown’s Office

elected in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015. Brown ran unopposed in six of his seven campaigns.

Brown noted on Wednesday that from the day he was appointed, “one of my chief goals was to elevate the standards of professionalism in the office by hiring people on merit, not political connections. Without question, we have overwhelmingly achieved that goal. Whatever success I have attained over the years is due in large measure to the fact

that from the very beginning I have surrounded myself with the most talented, capable and dedicated professionals imaginable – men and women of exceptional ability and commitment. Because of them, our office is among the best prosecutors’ offices in the state – indeed, the best in the country. I thank each of them for their loyalty and service to me and more importantly for their loyalty to the rule of law and service to the people of Queens County.

Together with our law enforcement partners we have contributed greatly to the city’s historic reduction in serious crime and created safer neighborhoods for all our residents.”

Brown indicated that he’ll dedicate the final 12 months of a career in public service that has spanned nearly six decades to The World’s Borough’s 2.4 million residents.

“While it is difficult to say goodbye, I am comforted by the knowledge that I leave a legacy of accomplishment, excellence and government at its best, for which anyone can be proud,” he added.

“On behalf of my entire family, I offer my best wishes and warmest thanks.”

NYPD Sets New CrimeReduction Records in 2018

Fewer than 300 murders were recorded in NYC in 2018.

By Forum Staff In 2018, the City set new records for public safety and crime reduction in the modern era, the Police Department announced Thursday.

Last year, overall crime was lower than in 2017 and below a new benchmark of 97,000; murder was below 300, numbers not seen since the early 1950s, NYPD officials noted; robberies were below 13,000, a new record low for the modern era; burglaries were below 12,000, lower than in 2017; and shooting incidents were again below 800, lower than in 2017.

“With stronger bonds of trust with the community created with neighborhood policing; a singular focus on violent crimes and those who commit them; and ever stronger coordination with our law enforcement

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

partners, we can continue to drive crime down even lower in 2019,” said Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill.

Key highlights from 2018 crime stats include: lowest number of index crimes in the modern era—there were 1,245 fewer incidents compared to 97,089 in 2017; lowest number of homicides recorded in the modern era, 289 compared to 292 in 2017; robberies, burglaries, and grand larceny autos down when comparing 2018 versus 2017; felony assaults and grand larcenies were up less than half of a percentage point when comparing 2017 to 2018; and shooting incidents were down by 35when comparing 2017 to 2018. Rape was the only one of the seven major index crimes to see a significant increase from 2017 to last year. In 2018, there were 1,795 reported rapes, compared to 1,467 in 2017, a 22.4 percent jump.

Shutdown Hurts NY: Schumer

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Schumer’s Office

“You might not realize that this Trump shutdown is affecting all sorts of everyday folks here in New York,” Sen. Schumer said.

By Forum Staff More than 16,000 federal workers that live in New York are assigned to departments or agencies that are currently closed, while the partial shutdown of the U.S. government, now in its third week, has negatively impacted all taxpayers that call the Empire State home, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on Sunday.

In an update on efforts to reopen the government, Schumer detailed how NY is being hurt by the shutdown. He noted that 450,000 people are currently working without pay and another 380,000 workers are furloughed across the U.S. More than 50,000 of these federal workers are in New York. Schumer cited specific agencies that because of the shutdown cannot serve New Yorkers as they should, including the risks at airports, threats to school programs, Internal Revenue Service tax refunds and more.

Airports: Currently, Transportation Security Administration agents are furloughed and working without pay. Schumer said many TSA workers, especially in the five boroughs, cannot afford to go without pay because of the transportation costs to get to work. He also posited that continuing the shutdown risks the safety of airports because agents, already spread thin, will be even more stretched.

The MTA: Every month, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority gets anywhere from $130-$170 million in reimbursements from the Federal Transit Administration, Schumer noted. It’s estimated that they can go 4-6 weeks without those reimbursements, but after that the MTA will have to make hard choices that will potentially hurt commuters.

The Census: The American Community Survey—legally the ongoing part of the decennial census—has been suspended, jeop-

ardizing the socio-economic estimates of New York City which are needed to allocate hundreds of billions of dollars annually in federal assistance to state and local governments for all kinds of things from housing to transportation.

The NTSB: The National Transportation Safety Board sends inspectors to New York any time there is a terrible accident on our roads or railways. Only 27 of their 401 employees are not furloughed. If we were to have a derailment, it is near impossible for 27 employees to be stretched, Schumer said.

The IRS: Without re-opening the government, countless New Yorkers would fail to see their tax refund checks processed.

Schumer says this will hurt millions of New York families who depend on the refund checks to meet yearly expenses.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: There are 1.5 million total beneficiaries in the five boroughs. These benefits are jeopardized if the shutdown goes beyond February. Across the state, 400,000 mothers and families rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Tourism: Small hotels and bed-andbreakfast establishments are losing critical business while national historic sites remain shuttered, according to Schumer. People are canceling reservations and leaving their rooms empty, when they would otherwise be filled with tourists. Tourism brings in an estimated $67 billion to NY every year, the senator noted.

“Hopefully, by bringing light to the ways in which our airports, our schools, our water and even our tax refunds are impacted, we can send a strong message to the President to do the right thing and open the government back up,” Schumer added.

www.orderaplumber.com • (718) 522-0818 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number2 JANUARY 10, 2019 | 5

EDITORIAL

ON THE MONEY In April 1985, then-Gov. Mario Cuomo famously said, “You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.”

The race is for the flowery terms to help galvanize a movement behind a person. But once in office, said person undoubtedly quickly realizes that their decisions affect all—those who voted for them and those who did not.

And so many of those decisions can be quite difficult. Because programs, plans, initiatives, all those great things you promised on the campaign trail, cost money. In New York City, it’s usually a boatload of bucks—regardless of destination. Here everything just costs more.

This week, Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed two wildly ambitious goals. On Tuesday, he announced that his administration will launch the largest, most comprehensive plan in the nation to guarantee health care for every New Yorker.

“Health care is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it,” Hizzoner said. “While the federal government works to gut health care for millions of Americans, New York City is leading the way by guaranteeing that every New Yorker has access to quality, comprehensive

access to care, regardless of immigration status or their ability to pay.”

The bill: at least $100 million annually at full scale (BdB’s words, not ours). How will our City cover that cost?

On Wednesday, de Blasio was back at it.

This time he proposed that New York City become the first city in the nation to mandate Paid Personal Time for workers.

The mayor pledged to pursue local legislation that would require private employers with five or more employees to offer 10 annual days of Paid Personal Time, allowing employees to take paid time off for any purpose, including vacation, religious observances, bereavement and time with family. The legislation would guarantee this time for approximately 3.4 million

New Yorkers.

“To be the fairest big city in America, New Yorkers can’t be forced to choose between bringing home a paycheck and taking time off to just disconnect or spend time with loved ones – that choice ends with Paid Personal Time,” de Blasio added.

Again, that SOUNDS great—but who’s gonna pay for it? John and Jane Small Biz Owner? They’re already inundated with bills, regulations, and fines that make being an entrepreneur in NYC an incredibly uninviting, unattractive, and impossible venture.

“Mayor de Blasio simply doesn’t get it! Small businesses in our city are already being crushed by burdensome regulations and unfunded government mandates.

Now the Mayor wants to force them to provide two weeks of paid vacation at their own expense,” said GOP public advocate candidate Eric Ulrich. “It’s no wonder New York has become one of the least business friendly cities in America.”

We’ve got to be smarter about our ideas. In theory, everything is awesome.

However, reality is cold and indifferent.

Poetry and prose.

Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP

Attorneys At Law

WorkErS’ CompENSAtioN w SoCiAl SECUrity DiSAbility Civil SErviCE DiSAbility pENSioNS w pErSoNAl iNjUry QUEENS

Catherine M. Stanton, Esq.

800.692.3717

www.workerslaw.com Offices also located in Brooklyn, Suffolk, Bronx, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange Our staff is multilingual and can assist you no matter what language you speak

6 JANUARY 10, 2019 • Number 2 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

118-21 Queens Blvd.

Suite 302 Forest Hills, NY 11375

NASSAU 25 Newbridge Road Suite 203 Hicksville, NY 11801

East Elmhurst Woman Indicted for Assault on Probation Officer

By Forum Staff Assault on a probation officer has resulted in a 50-year-old Queens woman facing an indictment after she was convicted last year on animal cruelty charges and sentenced to three years’ probation.

Elizabeth Grantof82nd Street in East Elmhurst is facing assault charges for pushing a probation officer during a home visit at her home, where more than a dozen animals were being housed.

“The defendant not only continued to hoard animals which is in violation of a court order, but she… assaulted an officer who discovered more animals in the home.”

Grant tried to push the probation officer down a flight of stairs and was arraigned on a 43-count indictment charging her with assault on a peace or police officer, a fireman or an EMS professional, second-degree assault, second-degree assault as a hate crime, second-degree criminal contempt, overdriving, torturing or injuring an animal and failure to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal before Queens Supreme Court Justice Stephanie Zaro. Justice Zaro held the defendant on $100,000 bail on the as-

Photo Courtesy of Google

A supervising Probation officer made an unannounced visit to Grant’s 82nd Street home over the summer.

sault charges, ordered her held without bail on the violation of probation charges and ordered her to return to court on March 19, 2019. If convicted, the defendant faces from eight to 25 years in prison. The drama unfolded when a New York City Department of Probation Supervising Officer made an unannounced visit to Grant’s home in the early morning hours of August 29, 2018, pursuant to the defendant’s sentence of three years’ probation.

When Grant’s mother opened the door, a foul odor was emanating from inside. A very com-

bative Grant approached the officer inside the home. “You can’t come in here. You don’t have a warrant. My case is on appeal. You can’t do this to me.” She uttered derogatory sexual and racial remarksto the officer. The officer began taking photos of cats, some undernourished and Grant attempted to grab her cellphone.

Attempting to prevent the officer from leaving the kitchen she shouted“Go ahead, punch me.

Push me. Slap me.”

Numerous dogswere observed on the second floor appearing to be underweight. When

the officer started down the stairs Grant pushed her from behind with both hands causing her to trip and twist her back while attempting to hold onto the railing to prevent a fall. The officer suffered serious physical injuries.

A court-ordered search revealed the premises to be crammed and without air flow despite temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.

An excessive number of flies dogs were being kept in a cramped kitchen area were also found. Officers recovered two turtles in dirty water inside an aquarium in the bathtub, seven dogs, including four adult dogs and three puppies, one cat, two rabbits, two guinea pigs and two Beta fish from inside the residence.

Grant was found guilty at trial in March of 108-counts of animal cruelty, failure to provide proper sustenance and failure to provide proper food and drink to impounded animals and was ordered to not own, harbor, or have custody or control of any animals for ten years.

She was sentencedto three years’ probation, ordered to receive mental health counseling, comply with unannounced visits for animal checks, and register with the New York City Department of Health as an animal abuser.

St. Albans Man Admits to Forcing Teenage Girl into Prostitution

By Forum Staff A 26-year-old Queens man has pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking for forcing a teenage girl into prostitution between December 2016 and March 2017.

Joseph Gilbert, of St. Albans, beat and threatened the youngster into having sex dates with strangers out of a Queens senior citizen residence.

“In pleading guilty, the defendant has nowadmitted to coercing a teen girl - just sixteen years old - into prostitution. The youngster suffered greatly, but managed to escape the clutch’s of the defendant. She will, however, have to live with the memory of this experience for the rest of her life,”

indicated that he will sentence Gilbert to four to eight years in prison on January 25, 2019.

In addition to the physical abuse, Gilbert made the youngster turn over all the money she made to him. He had the girl work out of a Queens senior citizen residence, and when she expressed to the defendant that she no longer wanted to engage in prostitution, Gilbert violently beat her with a closed fist and threatened her.

In March 2017, the victim ran away from the defendant and was able tell the police where the defendant operated - inside a JaPhoto Courtesy of Google maica, Queens senior residence -where he Gilbert had the girl work out of the Greater Allen Cathedral Senior Residence in Jamaica. was arrested. The girl had been living with District Attorney Brown said. tempted sex trafficking before Queens Su- the defendant and an older drug-addicted Gilbertplead guilty to one count of at- preme Court Justice Peter Vallone Jr., who resident of the facility.

Alleged Armored Car Thief Surrenders to FBI

By Michael V. Cusenza A Richmond Hill man indicted for his alleged role in the theft of more than $500,000 from an armored car in November on Long Island surrendered to the Federal Bureau of Investigation last Wednesday after nearly two weeks on the run, according to prosecutors.

Raymond Soto, Jr., 28, was arraigned the same day. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered detained.

Last month, an indictment was unsealed in federal court in Suffolk County that charged Alexis Laguerra, Soto, Jr., and his father, Raymond Soto with bank larceny.Laguerra, 30, was previously arrested on a complaint and released on $250,000 bail.

The Brooklyn resident pleaded not guilty and was continued released on bail. The senior Soto, 48, pleaded not guilty and

was ordered detained.

According to charging documents, Laguerra and the Sotos, all members of the Unknown Bikers Motorcycle Club, allegedly stole bank funds contained in three bags inside a GardaWorld armored car. Two employees of GardaWorld, Laguerra and John Doe #1, were working the overnight shift (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) as the driver of the armored car and messenger, respectively. Their assignment the night of Friday, Nov. 2 was to empty automated teller machines at bank branches and refill each ATM with “fresh money” of between $99,800 and $275,000.

Upon arrival at an HSBC Bank branch on Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream at 2:22 a.m., Laguerra and John Doe #1 exited File Photo the armored car and entered the bank. The unoccupied arThe armored vehicle was stolen from in front of this HSBC Bank branch on mored car was subsequently stolen and later recovered nearby.

Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream, L.I. The three bags of cash, each containing $170,000, were gone.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number2 JANUARY 10, 2019 | 7

8 JANUARY 10, 2019 • Number 2 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number2 JANUARY 10, 2019 | 9

City Rolls Out ‘First Phase’ of Fair Fares

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

The City indicated that it is committed to expanding the program to as many New Yorkers as possible in future phases and is already developing the infrastructure to make that possible.

By Michael V. Cusenza The City on Friday finally announced the details of the Fair Fares program— three days after it was scheduled to go into effect.

Last summer, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council struck a deal to make the Fair Fares public transportation program part of the $89 billion Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. The agreement called for the City to spend $106 million to provide halfpriced MetroCards for residents with annual incomes at or below the federal poverty level.

However, the Jan. 1 kick-off date came and went, with administration officials remaining tight-lipped regarding the rollout of Fair Fares, and straphanger-advocacy groups and some elected officials worried about the implementation of the initiative.

On Friday, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Corey Johnson announced that the Fair Fares rollout would be broken down into phases. During the first phase, the City will provide discounted MetroCards to working New Yorkers at or below the federal poverty level who are receiving cash assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits from the City Department of Social Services.

The Fair Fares NYC MetroCard will allow participants to purchase unlimited weekly and monthly passes at a 50-percent discount at Metropolitan Transportation Authority vending machines. The cards can be used on any New York City subway or non-express bus. The City is working with the MTA to phase in a pay-per-ride option, which it expects to launch in April.

On Friday, DSS indicated that it has started contacting 30,000 eligible working New Yorkers who are receiving cash assistance benefits. The notifications, and subsequent telephone calls, will inform this group of their eligibility and invite them to visit the nearest Fair Fares NYC location to receive their half-priced MetroCard.

Eligible recipients can also call 311 to assist in receiving their card. In April, an additional estimated 130,000 working New Yorkers who are receiving SNAP benefits will receive notifications about how to access their cards.

The City also noted on Friday that it’s committed to expanding Fair Fares to as many New Yorkers as possible in future phases and is already developing the infrastructure to make that possible.

“Just as important as what is happening today is the next step. Mayor de Blasio is right to reaffirm his commitment to implementing the full Fair Fares program, and the City is right to implement in phases until we reach everyone living below poverty.

The inclusion of pay-per-ride MetroCards is also a vital step forward, because many lowincome people have unpredictable work schedules and often can only afford a few rides at a time,” Riders Alliance Executive Director John Raskin said on Friday. “The City needs to lay out a fast timeline for how we get from this initial group of recipients to the point where everyone eligible can apply and take advantage of Fair Fares. That includes immigrant New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. That includes people not already using other city services—every low-income New Yorker who fought for and won this program. People are asking us how to apply, and the City needs an answer.”

10 JANUARY 10, 2019 • Number 2 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

The Pharmacist’s Corner Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

You Can See Clearly Now: The ABC's of Glaucoma All of us are familiar with the various health awareness campaigns that occur each month. January has several and one we’d like to talk with you about is National Glaucoma Awareness.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve. It is the optic nerve that supplies visual information from your brain directly to your eyes.

The most common form of this disease is primary open-angle glaucoma, which is especially dangerous because it has no symptoms except gradual vision loss. For this reason it is imperative that you do yearly comprehensive eye exams so that vision changes can be detected and monitored.

Acute-angle closure glaucoma, is a medical emergency. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately: Severe eye pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, redness in the eye, sudden vision disturbances including blurred vision, and or seeing colored rings around lights.

Glaucoma can be caused by fluid build-up in the channels of your iris or

cornea. Normally, a clear fluid, known as aqueous humor, passes through these channels and fills the front part of the eye.

If however, there is a blockage or partial obstruction, the pressure in your eye may increase. This can lead to damage of the optic nerve and loss of sight.

While glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, no one knows what causes the increase of pressure (IOP) in the eyes. IOP can be caused by dilating eye drops, medications like corticosteroids, high blood pressure or reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.

People 60 and over are at increased risk and for African-Americans the risk grows after 40. Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure and heart disease also have an increased risk of developing glaucoma.

Your pharmacist can be an effective partner in the treatment of glaucoma by monitoring adherence, counseling patients on the proper use of eyedrops, and recommending preservative-free or combination products when problems arise.

Take advantage of our knowledge and willingness to help!

Until next week...

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644

157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. or 96-05 101st Ave. in Ozone Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed.

Alicandro Takes Strange Swipe at Ulrich in PA Race

By Michael V. Cusenza The crowded, yet listless public advocate race recently received a muchneeded, albeit strange shot in the arm when one GOP candidate took to Twitter to toss mud on another’s resumé.

Responding last week to a tweet posted in December by the Kings County Republican Committee in which the organization announced that it is endorsing City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) for public advocate, attorney Manny Alicandro wrote: “I don’t need party endorsements to take on @ NYCMayor @BilldeBlasio and City Hall. I will be the only independent voice to stand up to City Hall. I am also the most qualified and best educated to take the fight to City Hall. Sorry but this CUNY graduate isn’t ready for this job.”

Ulrich earned a master’s degree in public administration in 2016 from CUNY’s Baruch College.

Alicandro, whose Twitter bio notes that he is an “MIT-educated entrepreneur,” was roundly roasted on the social media platform.

“Mocking someone for graduating from CUNY would seem like a weird way to appeal to voters in New York City,” wrote Daily News City Hall Bu-

Photo Courtesy of Emil Cohen/NY City Council

City Councilman Eric Ulrich

reau Chief Jill Jorgensen.

Alicandro attempted to clarify his comment.“CUNY is a tremendous academic institution. I made a comment about the biography of a candidate and it was taken out of context...” he tweeted.

The political veteran Ulrich seemed to take it in stride.

“I am a proud @CUNY grad and @ baruchalumni … anyone who thinks that’s a bad thing can go fly a kite!”

By Forum Staff

De Blasio Hails Ban on Tobacco Products in Pharmacies

As of Jan. 1, 2019, pharmacies in the five boroughs, including supermarkets and big-box stores with a pharmacy section, are prohibited from selling cigarettes and other tobacco products, Mayor Bill de Blasio noted on Monday in Manhattan at a rally celebrating the ban.

Hizzoner called the new measure a milestone in the City’s efforts to reduce the rate of smoking. In August 2017, de Blasio signed a package of bills into law to help reduce tobacco use, including raising the minimum prices for all tobacco products; capping the number of tobacco retailers citywide; creating a retail license for e-cigarettes that was not open to pharmacies, effectively banning e-cigarettes from pharmacies; capping the number of e-cigarette retailers; and promoting smoke-free spaces in residential settings.

“Tobacco kills thousands of New Yorkers every year,” said new City Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot, M.D. “The tobacco-free pharmacy law is a public health victory. It builds on New York City’s commitment to reduce the number of smokers in our city so New Yorkers can

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor de Blasio called the new measure a milestone in the City’s efforts to reduce the rate of smoking.

live longer, healthier lives.”

Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death, blamed for an estimated 12,000 deaths in NYC each year. Despite declines in the smoking rate, there are still more than 860,000 adults and 13,000 youth who smoke in the Big Apple. The administration noted that tobacco use can cause stroke, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, vascular disease, and more than 10 types of cancer. CVS Pharmacy and several independent pharmacies have already voluntarily

stopped selling tobacco products. About 500 pharmacies still sell tobacco products, according to officials.

The administration also pointed out on Monday that selling cigarettes or tobacco products without a valid City tobacco retail dealer license is a misdemeanor and is subject to civil penalties. Selling cigarettes or tobacco products without a valid City license two times in three years can result in temporary store closure.

“By limiting the number of retailers sell-

ing tobacco products, we can help keep tobacco products out of the hands of minors and improve the health of all New Yorkers,” said City Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Lorelei Salas.

The City Health Department noted that it offers a number of tools to support smokers who want to quit. Visit nyc.gov and search “NYC Quits” to find tips on how to stop smoking. You can also call (866) NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit nysmokefree.com to get a free starter kit of quit-smoking medications or talk to a quit coach.

“As a daughter who saw her father’s life shortened due to smoking-related illness, I applaud New York City’s efforts to end the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies,” said Wendy Mono, member of the American Heart Association NYC Advocacy Committee. “Smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the United States.

Smoking and tobacco use put you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. While the smoking rate among New York City residents has dropped significantly in recent years, the association will continue to support these and all efforts to curb our city’s addiction to tobacco entirely.”

Bank Employee Sentenced to Six Three Hurt Months in Prison for Stealing More than as Car Slams $650K in Estate Funds of Dead Sisters into Furniture Store

Courtesy of NBC 4 New York

The driver was seriously injured in the accident.

By Michael V. Cusenza Photo Courtesy of Google

Stephens-Anselm worked at this Chase branch in Hollis.

By Forum Staff A former JP Morgan Chase employee will spend six months in prison after he bilked the estate of two deceased Queens sisters for more than $650,000.

Joshua Stephens-Anselm, 28, of Beach 24th Street in Far Rockaway pleaded guilty to second-degree grand larceny before Queens Supreme Court Justice Gia Morris.

In addition to his sentence, StephensAnselm was ordered to fulfill the confession of judgement he signed during his plea, which indicated his obligation to repay $662,465 in stolen funds.

“The defendant used his position as a trusted bank employee for personal gain.

He heartlessly stole money from the personal bank accounts of two deceased elderly women and used the funds to pay personal expenses such as rent, credit card bills for friends and outings at restaurants and bars.”

From June 2016 to July 2017, the defendant swindled money from the estates of Edith Thompson, who died in December 2013, and her sister Marjorie Thompson, who passed away in November 2014. Prior to their death, the women opened banked accounts at JP Morgan Chase, where the defendant worked as a private client bank-

er. Shortly after their death, an appointed estate administrator contacted JP Morgan Chase to determine the whereabouts of large sums of moneytransferred from the sisters’ accounts. Upon further investigation, itwas determined that Stephens-Anselm issued checks to his personal account totaling $590,000 from MarjorieThompson’s estate and an additional $70,000 from EdithThompson’s estate.

To readily access the money, the defendant set up a mobile pay app on his phone to make electronic payments.

The stolen funds were eventually reimbursed to the women’s accounts by JP Morgan Chase.

Three people were injured early Thursday morning when a car jumped a Liberty Avenue curb and blasted the front of a South Richmond Hill furniture store, according to police and published reports.

A silver, two-door Honda carrying three occupants collided with Salco Furniture’s roll-down security gate around 2:30 a.m. and subsequently caught fire. The victims were safely removed before firefighters knocked down the blaze.

The driver and two passengers were taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. While the passengers were not seriously injured, the driver, a 23-year-old woman, suffered a punctured lung, broke an arm and fractured both legs, according to the New York Daily News.

Authorities are still investigating the incident.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number2 JANUARY 10, 2019 | 11

Camera Shield

Your safety is our concern

Camera InstallationWI-FI Setup DVR-PPOE Setup No monthly Fees!

Own your own system Lorex, Hikvision, Dahua and more

Serving the five boroughs, Westchester and Long Island

Miguel Reyes CCTV/IP Camera Installation 917.662.5373 Miguelreyes@gmail.com 12 JANUARY 10, 2019 • Number 2 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make‐A‐Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call (917) 336‐1254

CABLE & SATELLITE Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment.

More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855-977-7198

APT FOR RENT SOUTH OZONE PARK /WAKEFIELD 2 bedrooms/ LR, EIK, 1 bath, 1ST FL. $2,000 includes all utilities HOWARD BEACH 1 bedroom, Kitchen, small sitting area $1,100. Everything included CALL AGENT ANGELA 718-288-6658

HEALTH

HELP WANTED

Suffering from an ADDICTION to Alcohol, Opiates, Prescription PainKillers or other DRUGS? There is hope!

Call Today to speak with someone who cares. Call NOW: 1-833-880-6049

AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here –Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students.

Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7094

VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99.

100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! Call Today: 800-4040244

JOB OPPORTUNITY: $17 P/H NYC - $14.50 P/H LI If you currently care for your relatives or friends who have Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to start working for them as a personal assistant. No Certificates needed. (347)4622610 (347)565-6200

HOME IMPROVEMENTS BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 888-6579488.

HOWARD BEACH

Hi-Rise co-op, 4 rms ,1 bedrm, 1 new bth, new kit, excl cond , 2 fl, Must sell Call Now !

BROOKLYN

Brooklyn All Brick, 2 Fam, Elderts Lane, 11 rms, 5 bedrms, 3 bths, 3 bedrms over 2 bedrms, full bsmt, Must Sell !

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve!

This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan

HOWARD BEACH

GREENTREE Condo , 6 rms, 3 bedrms, 2 bths, 2 terr, washer/dryer,4 skylights, 10 min to JFK & Casino Call Now !

Wheels For Wishes Benefiting

Make-A-Wish® Metro New York

*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible

WheelsForWishes.org Call: (917) 336-1254 * Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.

Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES

Visit us online at

Don’t wait! Call now and we’ll rush you a FREE Information Kit with all the details.

www.dental50plus.com/nypress

Insurance Policy P150NY 6129

MB17-NM003Ec

Discover the world’s best walk-in bathtub from 5 Reasons American Standard Walk-In Tubs are Your Best Choice 1 2

Receive a free American Standard Cadet toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchaser. See www.walkintubs.americanstandard-us.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY:55431H; NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.

2 fam, 11 rms, 5 bedrms, 4 bths, cent air, rad heat, dock, pvt dr, mint cond, call now !

OZONE PARK , 2 fam, det 12 rms , pvt dr D all & gar, full finLbsmt, O Now ! updated ,SCall

1-855-225-1434

You can get coverage before your next checkup

888-609-0248

HOWARDLBEACH D WATERFRONT, brick SO

OZONE PARK

2 Fam det, 9 rms 5 bedrms, 3 bths, full bsmt, 2 car det gar & pvt driveway Call Now !

Help at Home

Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket

Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

OUR EXCLUSIVE, 10 rms, 4 bedms, 3 bths, new kit w/granite tops, pool hot tub, gar, mint, Call Now !

FREE Information Kit

1-855-225-1434

Includes FREE American StandardRight Height Toilet

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

DONATE YOUR CAR

DIRECTV CHOICE All-Included Package. Over 185 Channels! ONLY $45/ month (for 24 mos.) Call Now- Get NFL Sunday Ticket FREE! CALL 1-888-5346918 Ask Us How To Bundle & Save!

DENTAL Insurance CALL NOW!

HOWARD BEACH

Hi Ranch, cent air, 9 rms, 4 bedrms, 2.5 bths, new kit granite, Mint Call Now !

3 4 5

Backed by American Standard’s 140 years of experience $ Ultra low entry for easy entering and exiting Patented Quick Drain® fast water removal system Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed

by American Standard 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an invigorating massage

1,500

S AV I N G S

FREE IN-HOME EVALUATION!

Help in Shower with

GPS !

Help On-the-Go

P L E H

® ! p u t e n’t g a c I d n a I’ve fallen

®

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

Get HELP fast, 24/7, anywhere with

.

For a FREE brochure call:

1-800-404-9776 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number2 JANUARY 10, 2019 | 13

Notice of Formation of Fortune Plaza 168 LLC. Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/15/2017. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 58-07 134th St, 2/FL, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Chinese American Furniture Factory of Zheng LLC. Articles of Organization. filed with Secretary of State of NY. (“SSNY”) on 12/03/2018. Office location in QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: 142-31 58th Ave, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 47-38 Vernon Boulevard, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/28/18. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: Cogency Global Inc., 10 E. 40th St., 10th Fl., NY, NY 10016. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Legal Notices

Notice of formation of HELLO THIS IS EMMA LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 8/03/2018. Office located in Queens County.

SSNY has been designated for service of process.

SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: 1862 Menahan Street, Unit 1R, Ridgewood, New York, 11385. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of FootShirt LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State on 11/19/2018, Office location: Queens. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to United States Corporation Agents, Inc, 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Conversion of Landome Associates, a partnership, to Landome Realty Associates LLC. Cert. filed with SSNY on 10/1/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Richard E. Tanenbaum, 43-29 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: any lawful act.

SIVOTA LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/21/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Savas Konstantinides, 34-20 31 Street, Astoria, NY 11106. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of formation of 1277 Nostrand PLG LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on July 23, 2018. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 4102 31st Ave Ste. A, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Notice of Formation: 2755 Jackson Part- any lawful purpose. ner LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of Henderson Green Ridge MEZZ LLC, NY (SSNY) on 10/31/2018. Office Loc: Queen- Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 11/02/18. Off. sCounty. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of whom process against it may be served. SNY shall LLC upon whom process against it may be served. mail process to: 34-30 CollinsPlace, Flushing NY SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 11354. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

140-75 Ash Ave, Unit D, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice is hereby given that a license, Serial No. 1313643, for beer, liquor, and wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, liquor, and wine at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 36-21 Steinway Street, New York, 11101 for on-premises consumption.

Cavali NY, Inc.

HK FIRST HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/06/18. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the Registered Agent: HK FIRST HOLDINGS LLC 97-45 63RD DRIVE, UNIT 6H, REGO PARK, NY 11374. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation: 55-08 J&J LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/17/2018. Office Loc.: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 55-08 98TH Street, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of SOMM AND SPIRIT, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/13/18. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Justin Bates, the LLC, 67-05 Burns St., Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 20th day of DECEMBER 2018, bearing Index Number NC-001123-18/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) ZOHET (middle) ELOISE (last) ESTEVEZ ARAGONES. The city and state of my address is WOODHAVEN, NY. The place of my birth is QUEENS, NY. The month and year of my birth are SEPTEMBER 2015; My present name is ZOHET ELOISE ESTEVEZ (infant) : grants me the right to assume the name of (first) PEDRO (middle) ETHAN (last) ESTEVEZ ARAGONES. The city and state of my address is WOODHAVEN, NY. The place of my birth is QUEENS, NY. The month and year of my birth are JUNE 2018. My present name is ETHAN ESTEVEZ ARAGONES(infant)

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 20th day of December, 2018, bearing Index No. 001117/18/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) IAN (middle) DOMINIC (last) BENJAMIN. The city and state of my present address is South Richmond Hill, NY. The place of my birth is TRINIDAD, WEST INDIES. The month and year of my birth are JULY 1953. My present name is DOMINIC INVICTUS BENJAMIN aka IAN DOMINIC BENJAMIN, aka INVICTUS DOMINIC IAN BENJAMIN aka DOMINIC I. BENJAMIN aka IAN D. BENJAMIN, aka IAN BENJAMIN aka DOMINIC IAN INVICTUS IGNATIUS

DON'T SWEAT IT!

Notice of formation of FRIENDS TEAM REALTY LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/08/2018. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has being designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to, SYED N ALAM, 12108 LIBERTY AVE, RICHMOND HILL, NY. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). Name: BGD III Manager, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (“SSNY”) on December 19, 2018. N.Y. office location: Queens County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to BGD III Manager, LLC, c/o The Bluestone Organization, 90-11 160th Street, Suite 100, Jamaica, New York 11432. Purpose/character of LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of VAZPREY ENTERPRISES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/24/18. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543, regd. agent upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

14 JANUARY 10, 2019 • Number 2 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

HVAC

EXPERT SERVICE, SALES and INSTALLATION

Commercial & Residential • Air Conditioning maintenance, Sales and Repair • Sales and Service • Ductless Air Conditioning Installation • Specializing in Mini-Split Bibb Cleaning.

No mess or removal needed!

YOU'LL BE COOL With Our Service and Pricing

MIGUEL REYES

917-662-5373 Certified HVAC Technician EPA Clean Air/Recycling & Emission Cert # 84F13E110AC61A3E1

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 19• Number2 JANUARY 10, 2019 | 15

16 JANUARY 10, 2019 • Number 2 VOL. 19 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP