THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | MARCH 1, 2018

VOL. 17 • NUMBER 9 • MARCH 1, 2018

Howard Beach • Ozone Park • South Ozone Park • Woodhaven • Richmond Hill • Broad Channel Forest Hills • Middle Village • Glendale • Maspeth

South & West

SPECIAL ED City Marks 30th Anniversary of the Assassination of Hero Queens Cop Byrne

See Story on Page 2 New York City celebrated the life and recalled the tipping-point death of Police Officer Eddie Byrne (inset) early Monday morning at the corner of Inwood Street and 107th Avenue in Jamaica, where the rookie cop made the ultimate sacrifice on Feb. 26, 1988, as he sat in a patrol car guarding a witness in a major drug case. He was 22.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 17 • Number 09 MARCH 1, 2018 | 1

Byrne Bright: City Solemnly Marks 30th Anniversary of Assassination of Hero Queens Cop

By Michael V. Cusenza In the early morning hours of Feb. 26, 1988, Eddie Byrne gave up everything for this borough, this city, this country. That Friday, Eddie Byrne made the kind of onceevery-millennium sacrifice that you might only have read about in comic books.

That sacrifice certainly changed Gotham City.

Byrne, a rookie City cop just seven months out of the academy and assigned to the 103rd Precinct, was summarily executed on Feb. 26, 1988, as he sat in his marked radio motor patrol car at 107th Avenue and Inwood Street in Jamaica, guarding the home of a critical witness in a major drug case.

The four killers that were convicted of the assassination—Philip Copeland, Todd Scott, Scott Cobb, and David McClary— were members of a drug gang that had been instructed to kill a police officer. At approximately 3:30 a.m., one of the men knocked on the passenger-side window of Byrne’s Photos Courtesy of NYPD and Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office car to distract him as a second man opened First responders, civic leaders, and members of the community annually gather at the corner of Inwood Street and 107th Avenue in the early morning hours of Feb. 26 to fire just outside the driver’s side window. honor Byrne.

Byrne was shot five times in the head.

Lawrence Byrne, Eddie’s brother and NYPD deputy commissioner for Legal Matters, delivers tearful remarks at memorial service last week at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.

He was 22 years old.

Copeland, Scott, Cobb, and McClary were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Each has been denied parole at their hearings.

On Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, a grateful city gathered at that infamous Jamaica intersection to mark the 30th anniversary of Eddie Byrne’s sacrifice.

“That was the beginning. That was a wakeup call for this whole city that it was time. It was time to no longer accept the violence that was so prevalent in New York City back in the ’70s and the ’80s,” recalled City Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill.

“That wasn’t the high water mark though.

In 1990 there were 2,245 homicides, but that was the beginning and we continued each and every year after that to make sure that the people who take this job understand why they take it. They take it to make a difference and to do good, and to make life better for the 8.5 million people in this great city. And they continue to do it each and every day.”

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Mayor Bill de Blasio characterized Byrne’s death as not just simply a tipping point, but the spark of a revolution.

“In every tragedy we look for something Exact replica of the City Police Department patrol car in which Officer Eddie Byrne was sitting when he was gunned down on Feb. 26, 1988. we can cling onto and the case of the loss of Eddie is something very, very meaningful. He did not die in vain by any stretch of the imagination. There was anger, there was revulsion at the death of this good, young man,” he said. “It was not something this city ignored. It galvanized people, created one of those moments where people said enough is enough. The city came together and with the NYPD, the people of this city said we will not accept a situation where a young man like this is taken from us and we will not accept lawlessness. The NYPD, working with partners in every community block by block over years proceeded to take back this city. Many believe it began that day. I think a way to think about it is this: Eddie Byrne’s life may have ended but his On Monday, 91st Avenue at 168th Street, right outside the 103rd Precinct stationhouse in Jamaica, was retour of duty never did.” dedicated in honor of Byrne, who was assigned to that Queens command at the time of his death.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Ulrich Reportedly Mulling Lieutenant Governor Run

By Michael V. Cusenza During his speech last November at his victory party at Russo’s on the Bay, minutes after securing a concession call from the challenger and a third term on the City Council, Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) thanked all of his campaign staff and volunteers for a well-earned win.

“Ulrich for governor!” campaign manager Liam McCabe blurted. “What do you guys think about that?”

It now seems that McCabe might not have been too far off the mark.

Ulrich, 33, is “seriously considering” taking a shot at unseating Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul this fall, according to a report in Saturday’s New York Post.

The councilman indicated that “he’s been approached by GOP gubernatorial

I’m going to do whatever I can to make that happen,” the councilman declared.

Ulrich, who just embarked on his final four-year term representing the people of the 32nd District, was scheduled to meet with DeFrancisco in Queens this week.

The Post also noted that Ulrich planned to make a decision by early April.

Ulrich’s name is often raised regarding Republican representation in city- and state-wide races. Last March, after months of speculation, he ultimately decided not to challenge incumbent Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“It’s something that I’ve been considering for quite some time now, mulling it over these past few months with my family, my friends, and my supporters, and I’ve decided Ulrich just embarked on his third and final term on the City Council.

File Photo that this would not be the right move for me candidate John DeFrancisco, a State sena- though [Ulrich] declined to say which one.” to make,” Ulrich announced on “The Road to tor from Syracuse, and another contender, “Andrew Cuomo has just got to go and City Hall” on Spectrum News New York 1.

Howard Beach, South Ozone Park among Communities Sparking City’s Record Job Growth Numbers

By Michael V. Cusenza Job growth in the five boroughs has outpaced the state and the nation since the end of the recession, according to a report released on Thursday by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

“New York City Employment Trends” indicated that the city added a total of 702,200 jobs between 2009 and 2017, more than during any other expansion.

And, according to the eight-page analysis, communities such as Howard Beach/South Ozone Park have especially thrived over the past eight years, contributing a hefty share to the NYC’s gaudy employment figures. The two proud south Queens neighborhoods are two of just 10 city enclaves—and the only from the World’s Borough—that boasted job growth that exceeded 40 percent between 2009 and 2017. Employment in HB/SOP grew by 41 percent (4,100) in that period; more than half (55 percent) of the jobs added were in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

The other 40+ communities included: Bedford-Stuyvesant; Borough Park; Flatbush; Sheepshead Bay/Gravesend; Central Harlem; Bensonhurst; Coney Island; Williamsburg/Greenpoint; and Bay Ridge. No neighborhood in the city lost jobs between 2009 and 2017.

Overall, Queens came in second (24 percent) out of the five boroughs regarding the rate of job growth since 2009; Brooklyn, at 38 percent, earned top honors.

Photo Courtesy of Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office

“Employment is at a record level and more jobs are being created in the boroughs outside of Manhattan than ever before,” Comptroller DiNapoli said.

“New York City is undergoing the largest and longest expansion since World War II,” DiNapoli said. “Employment is at a record level and more jobs are being created in the boroughs outside of Manhattan than ever before.”

Since the end of the recession, employment in the Big Apple increased by 18.9 percent, pushing employment to an “unprecedented” level of 4.4 million in 2017, DiNapoli said, breaking the

pre-recession record by more than 600,000 jobs. The state and the nation had job gains of 11.5 percent during this same period.

The comptroller also noted that the unemployment rate in the city dropped to 4 percent in March 2017, the lowest level since the current data series was introduced 41 years ago. Since March, the unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.3 percent in December 2017 as more people entered the work force, encouraged by the strong economy, DiNapoli explained.

“New York City Employment Trends” also found: • The business services sector was the largest source of new jobs during the expansion, adding 174,400 jobs from 2009 to 2017.

• Health care is the only sector in NYC that has experienced gains every year since 1990 (when the current data series was established). It added 21,400 jobs in 2017, bringing total employment to 519,000, 28 percent more than in 2009.

• The leisure and hospitality sector accounted for onefifth of the gains between 2009 and 2017 (139,400 jobs). More than three-quarters of the gains were in bars and restaurants.

• While the securities industry added 9,700 jobs since 2009, it is still 5 percent smaller than before the financial crisis.

• The retail sector lost jobs in each of the past two years as brick and mortar stores face increased competition from online retailers. Despite losses in the past two years, the retail sector still accounted for 8 percent of the gains since 2009.

Pheffer Amato Calls for ‘Women of Distinction’ Nominations

By Forum Staff Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) on Monday announced the opening of nominations for her first annual 2018 Women of Distinction Awards to, as she said, “recognize the incredible women who are going above and beyond to strengthen South Queens and create a brighter future for all.”

Awards will be given for work in various fields, including health care, business, volunteer work, humanitarian work, education, and military service, the assemblywoman noted.

“This March, let’s not only celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring the women of the past who broke down barriers, but also recognize women of today who are inspiring others and working hard to put our community on a better path,” Pheffer Amato said. “There will never be

enough ways to thank them, but these Women of Distinction Awards are part of how we can show our appreciation.”

Pheffer Amato requested that nominations for the 2018 Women of Distinction Awards be submitted by March 16.

Contact the assemblywoman’s office for a nomination form, which can be returned by email to amatos@nyassembly.gov or by fax to (718) 945-9549.

Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony at the end of the month.

File Photo

Pheffer Amato said the Women of Distinction Awards are a way to thank “the women of the past who broke down barriers [and] the women of today who are inspiring others and working hard to put our community on a better path.”

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Organized Crime Operation Maintained Violent Monopoly that Ruled City Towing Industry: Authorities

By Forum Staff Seventeen people and 10 companies have been indicted for maintaining an unlawful monopoly on the towing industry in the five boroughs through an elaborate series of schemes involving shell companies, insurance fraud, bid rigging, and other crimes, authorities recently announced.

Of the 17 suspects, eight call Queens home. And three of the 10 tow/collision companies are based in the World’s Borough: D&D’s Impressive Auto Collision, Inc. (Maspeth); Southside Collision and Towing, Inc. (Queens Village); and Authorized Auto Body, Inc. (Long Island City).

Charges in the indictment include enterprise corruption, first-degree scheme to defraud, fourth-degree conspiracy, and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, among others.

“If you were involved in a collision between June 2015 and December 2017 and received assistance from a tow company, chances are, you were an unwitting customer of an illegal enterprise that dominated New York City’s towing industry until our takedown today,” Vance said last Wednesday. “In order to ensure fair competition and encourage entrepreneurs to set up shop here in the city, we cannot allow this type of systemic fraud and abuse to persist

Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance

within any industry. As alleged in this case, the defendants worked in concert to maintain a violent monopoly on the city’s towing business, in the kind of industry-wide racket that harkens back to an earlier era.

The city may have changed, but in certain trades, pervasive corruption still exists.

According to authorities, at least six of the 17 suspects allegedly participated in insurance fraud schemes. As charged in the indictment, auto body managers were instructed to inflate insurance claims through fraudulent methods including:

Photo Courtesy of Manhattan DA’s Office

Charging for additional damage the defendants themselves caused to vehicles after removing a disabled vehicle from a collision site, a practice known as “damage enhancement.”

Claiming to perform repairs that were never made.

Replacing parts that did not need to be replaced.

Claiming that vehicles were towed when, in fact, they were not.

Billing insurance companies for new parts that were actually used parts.

“The cost of insurance fraud and related crimes is shared by all consumers and it is important that we identify and prosecute those responsible for raising our insurance expenses,” said National Insurance Crime Bureau Northeast Regional Director Kevin Gallagher. “This investigation sends a strong message to others who may be contemplating engaging in insurance related crimes.”

At least four defendants are charged for their roles in tax fraud and money laundering schemes. According to investigators, the suspects laundered the proceeds obtained through various schemes by using check cashers to convert insurance claim checks made payable to their companies.

The checks represented millions of dollars in collective insurance claims. Vance noted that the Manhattan DA’s Office’s Asset Forfeiture Unit is also filing a lawsuit against the indicted defendants seeking the forfeiture of more than $19 million associated with the alleged scheme.

“These defendants exploited the tow truck licensing procedures of New York City to advance their fraud, according to the charges,” said City Department of Investigation Commissioner Mark Peters.

“Intentionally fabricating information to the City and corrupting its procedures is a crime.”

Stringer Budget Review Puts Some City Agencies on the Hot Seat

By Forum Staff The City comptroller’s analysis of the mayor’s Fiscal Year 2019 Preliminary Executive Budget featured a new Agency Watch List to spotlight departments that raise the most budgetary concerns, and for which data-driven approaches are critically needed to measure and improve performance.

This year, Comptroller Scott Stringer’s annual review of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s financial plan placed some agencies and their leadership squarely on the hot seat, including the departments of Homeless Services, Education, and Correction.

“Our economy is in solid poCourtesy of Comptroller Stringer’s Office sition, but it won’t last forever, as The departments of Homeless Services, Education, and Correction made Comptroller Stringer’s Photo inaugural Agency Watch List. economic and job growth slow in the years to come. With President Trump’s proposed budget cuts go- that those who need our help the implement a more vigorous agen- while the homeless population ing after the most vulnerable New most get it, and that we can contin- cy savings program. That’s why this grows. Despite major investments Yorkers, and his tax bill targeting ue to provide all New Yorkers the year, I’m introducing an ‘agency in prevention and housing, the our economy, it’s absolutely criti- critical City services they count watch list,’ to shine a light on the number of individuals residing in cal that New York City prepare to- on—in both good times and bad. departments that absolutely must shelters has steadily increased to day for whatever comes tomorrow. Mayor de Blasio has offered a Pre- deliver better results if we’re going 61,029 (as of Feb. 2) from 49,673 That means spending our limited liminary Budget that puts forward to maintain City services, while in 2013; spending on shelters resources in a way that achieves a number of laudable initiatives keeping our fiscal house in order.” alone has nearly doubled to $1.9 maximum impact,” Stringer said. that I support. But as we confront According to Stringer’s analy- billion in FY 2019 from $1 billion.

“Budgets are about priorities, and the challenges ahead, we will have sis, citywide spending for homeThe comptroller’s review rips ours need to be on making sure to grow our budget cushion and less services continues to rise the Department of Education, 4 MARCH 1, 2018 • Number 09 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

where, according to Stringer, “there is rampant waste and lack of accountability.” Audits have found: in a sample of eight schools and one administrative site, onethird of computer hardware was unaccounted for, with no followup action to implement basic controls; $1 billion investment in high-speed broadband while one in three teachers remain dissatisfied with the service; and $2.7 billion in no-bid contracts.

And while the City jail population is down, spending and violence are up, according to Stringer’s analysis. In the last decade, the average daily inmate population has declined by over 30 percent, to 9,500 in 2017, from 13,850 in 2008; but over the same period, the average annual cost of housing an inmate on Rikers Island has more than doubled: to over $270,000 in 2017, from about $117,000 in 2008; and the number of violent incidents against both inmates and correctional officers has more than tripled over the same period: to 1,332 per 1,000 average daily population in 2017, from 441 per 1,000 average daily population in 2008.

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Pheffer Amato called the MTA-owned lot at the base of the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge in Broad Channel an “eyesore.”

By Michael V. Cusenza Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) this week urged the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to clean up its property at the base of the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge in Broad Channel.

Pheffer Amato fired off a letter to the transit agency on Monday, noting that many constituents have complained about the lack of cleanliness and safety of the MTA-owned “eyesore,” which is filled with construction materials, machines, loose debris, and rusted fences.

The assemblywoman indicated that she sent the missive after seeing the “horrible conditions” at the lot during a recent walkthrough with Broad Channel Civic President Dan Mundy, Jr.

“We’re only months away from the warmer weather and this property is filled with trash and debris. Our homeowners, local businesses, and bike enthusiasts should not be subjected to this continued disrespect,” Pheffer Amato said. “It’s time the MTA clean this area and be good neighbors to the residents of Broad Channel and Rockaway. Our ask is simple: It’s time for some spring cleaning!”

The MTA told The Forum on Tuesday that its facility personnel have made sure there is no contractor spillover, so there is no impact to customers and the pedestrian walkway remains open.

“We make it a priority to ensure that our operations don’t negatively impact the surrounding residential area and we will continue to work with the assemblywoman and

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local community to address any concerns they may have,” said MTA spokesman Chris McKniff. “The materials associated with this work are being used for a FEMA funded

[Superstorm] Sandy resiliency project to strengthen flood protections at the bridge, which will ultimately benefit this community for years to come.”

Schumer Decries Proposed Cuts to School Safety Programs

By Forum Staff The U.S. Department of Education budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2019 makes $425 million in cuts to school safety and mental health assistance programs, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (DN.Y.) noted on Monday, 12 days after the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. And that, he added, is unacceptable.

“School safety is one of the pillars of what the federal government should be supporting and to know that we have a budget pieced together by the administration that undermines the duty of the Department of Education on so many levels is nails on the chalkboard,” New York’s senior senator said. “We are in a time where we need to do more—not less—to ensure our schools have the resources, programming and the federal dollars to address everything from the safety and mental health of students, to support for teachers and administrators.

And it is particularly troubling that we are in the midst of a national tragedy in Florida and having to talk about these cuts because the students impacted by the Parkland

together to make our schools safer, not less safe, as this budget could very well do.”

Schumer said the DOE proposal eliminates project prevention grants, which, according to the U.S. Department of Education, provide federal funds to local educational agencies to increase their capacity to identify, assess, and serve students exposed to pervasive violence; and help ensure that affected students are offered mental health services for trauma or anxiety. The grants also help implement school-based violence prevention strategies to reduce the likelihood that these students will later commit violent acts, the senator said.

Additionally, the proposed DOE plan cuts the School Emergency Response to Photo Courtesy of the International Center of Photography Violence program, which, Schumer point“We are in a time where we need to do more—not less—to ensure our schools have the resources, programming ed out, funds education-related services to and the federal dollars to address everything from the safety and mental health of students, to support for teachers help schools recover from a violent or trauand administrators,” Sen. Schumer said. matic event in which the learning environment has been disrupted. For example, the shooting are going to need the exact kinds mediate change and attention. That’s why I district of Newtown was awarded millions of funding and support that Newton re- am pledging to work with Republicans and of dollars of these funds in the wake of the ceived in the wake of that horrific shooting. Democrats across the aisle to undo these Sandy Hook tragedy.

Eliminating these kinds of funds and To think Florida—or any other commu- senseless Department of Education cuts programs would undermine school safety nity—that needs to have programs in place to our nation’s schools and why I am conto handle this trauma, do not, demands im- fident congress can pass the test and work across the country, Schumer said.

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Man Convicted in Vicious Slashing and Stabbing Death of Elmhurst Woman

By Forum Staff A jury has found a 28-year old Queens man guilty of murder and other charges in the heinous slashing and stabbing death of a young woman, whose mangled body was found off a pathway in Kissena Corridor Park in October 2015.

District Attorney Brown said, “This was a brutal killing. The crime scene was seeped in blood and the victim’s body mutilated and disemboweled.”

Christopher Sobers, was convicted of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property following a nearly three-week-long trial.

Photo Courtesy of Google Queens Supreme Court Justice Deborah Stevens Modica, set sentencing for March 14, 2018, at which The victim’s mangled remains were found by a homeless man off a pathway in Kissena Park, near Colden Street and Laburnum Avenue. time Sobers faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Trial testimony shows that, the mangled remains of 28-year-old Qing Qing Kiemde was found by a homeless man off a pathway in Kissena Corridor Park, near Colden Street and Laburnum Avenue, on October 11, 2015.

The victim - who lived in Elmhurst, Queens, and worked in a bakery - met the defendant in a group meeting and became romantically involved with him.

The defendant violently slashed and stabbed her to death on or about October 10, 2015, and when Sobers was taken in for questioning by police, he was in possession of the victim’s cell phone. He had removed all the victim’s information from the phone and had input his own data. Kiemde had a very distinctive handbag that she was known to carry her personal belongings in. After she disappeared, the defendant was seen carrying the bag.

Judge Rules Confession, DNA Evidence Admissable at Trial Alleged Vetrano Killer

By Michael V. Cusenza The judge presiding over the case of the man accused of murdering beloved Howard Beach resident Karina Vetrano indicated on Monday that DNA evidence and a taped confession will be admitted at trial.

The ruling is a major setback for Chanel Lewis’s lawyers, who had attempted to poke holes in the prosecution’s case by attacking the route that authorities took to arrive at their client as even a person of interest.

Six months into an investigation that was seemingly on the precipice of going frigid—no leads, no suspects—City Police Lt. John Russo, a Howard Beach resident, recalled observing Lewis one night in May 2016, just three months prior to the homicide, acting in a suspicious manner near Spring Creek Park. Lewis, who lived in nearby East New File Photo York, Brooklyn, eventually was stopped by uniform cops Karina Vetrano was killed on Aug. 2, 2016.

and issued a summons.

With that in mind, Russo pored over stop and summons reports for May 2016 for that sector of the 106th Precinct, and ultimately found the record of Lewis’s interaction with patrol officers. Russo and fellow gumshoes connected the dots and Lewis was rounded up and brought in for questioning. He confessed and DNA evidence supported his story.

Defense attorneys claimed that since the May 2016 stop, question, and frisk of their client was illegal according to new City law, the subsequent videotape confession and DNA match are, in essence, “fruit of the poisonous tree”—if the patrol stop was not right, then any evidence gained from the stop is not right, and should be tossed.

According to charging documents, Vetrano, 30, was jogging alone in Spring Creek Park at approximately 6 p.m. on Aug. 2, 2016, when she was attacked by Lewis who sexually abused her and strangled her to death.

Fentanyl Sold by Jamaica Man Linked to Two Fatal Overdoses: Feds

By Forum Staff A Jamaica man has been indicted on charges of conspiring to distribute and distributing more than 40 grams of the powerful narcotic fentanyl, with his product linked to two recent fatal overdoses and one near-fatal overdose, federal authorities announced on Tuesday.

David Wickham, 35, also known as “Wick” and “Dogg,” was arrested early Tuesday morning. According to Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue, during the execution of Wickham’s arrest and the search of his residence and vehicle, pursuant to a search warrant, agents recovered a firearm from under his bed, as well as suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia, including a scale, baggies and hypodermic needles.

According to charging papers, between August and December 2017, Wickham allegedly sold almost 100 grams of fentanyl to an undercover officer. On several occasions, Wickham represented the narcotics to be heroin, when he was actually selling fentanyl.

Additionally, based on phone records and a witness’ statements, Wickham allegedly dealt a batch of fentanyl that caused two fatal overdoses and one near-fatal overdose— the third victim was revived with narcan. yl, a powerful opioid with potentially lethal consequences, “As alleged in court filings, David Wickham sold fentan6 MARCH 1, 2018 • Number 09 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

which he represented to buyers on numerous occasions to be heroin,” Donoghue said. “This office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who contribute to the opioid epidemic plaguing the communities in our district, and to save lives by reducing the availability of the deadly drug.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Justice, drug overdoses have become the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. The increase in overdose deaths has been driven in large part by fentanyl—described as 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. In New York, from 2014 to 2015, fentanyl overdose deaths rose 135 percent, while heroin overdose deaths rose 28 percent. According to the CDC’s latest report analyzing overdose deaths nationally, in 2016 synthetic opioid deaths—which includes fentanyl— more than doubled to 19,413 in 2016, from 9,580 in 2015.

“Fentanyl is a killer, and drug pushers have been taking advantage of selling this highly addictive drug, preying on the vulnerabilities of people,” said NY Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent-in-Charge Angel Melendez.

If convicted, Wickham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ in federal prison and a maximum of 40 years.

New York Leads ‘States for Gun Safety’ Coalition that Pledges to Share Info on Firearms

By Michael V. Cusenza Exasperated over repeated congressional inaction, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo recently announced the formation of the new “States for Gun Safety” coalition to combat gun violence.

According to Cuomo, the group will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to better share information and tackle the issue through a regional approach. The coalition has pledged to create a multi-state database to supplement the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System, trace and intercept guns that are used in crimes as well as guns transported across state borders, and launch the nation’s first Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium that will study the issue across multiple disciplines to better inform policy makers nationwide.

According to the coalition, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island – and Massachusetts, Delaware, and Puerto Rico, which joined on Monday – will share information about individuals who are prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm within each state. By sharing this information, the group noted, states can more effectively prevent certain individuals from

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor

“Rather than wait for the federal government to come to its senses and pass responsible gun safety legislation, New York is joining with New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island to take matters into our own hands,” Cuomo said.

purchasing a gun, obtaining a weapon and/ or getting a gun permit. The agreement, in accordance with federal and state privacy protections, will provide state law enforcement agencies with details on the firearm purchase or permit denials for those who are disqualified. People may be disqualified from owning a firearm for several reasons, including an arrest warrant, order of protection, debilitating mental health condition, or

criminal history.

The coalition also noted that the inaugural Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium will be comprised of public health, social welfare, public policy, and criminal justice experts who will share and examine data to better inform policymakers nationwide. The consortium will be created by colleges and universities designated by each member state of the coalition.

“Rather than wait for the federal government to come to its senses and pass responsible gun safety legislation, New York is joining with New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island to take matters into our own hands,” Cuomo said. “Not only will this groundbreaking partnership take new steps to prevent illegal guns from crossing state lines, but by forming the nation’s first Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium, we will be able to better inform policymakers nationwide on how to keep their communities safe.”

Cuomo, a proud gun owner, also recently found himself in the crosshairs of National Rifle Association Executive Director and CEO Wayne LaPierre, who blasted the Empire State governor and fellow Democrats in remarks at Thursday’s Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland.

“They are not Democrats in the mold of John F. Kennedy or Tip O’Neill,” LaPierre said. “They hide behind labels like ‘Democrat,’ ‘left-wing’ and ‘progressive’ to make their socialist agenda more palatable, and that is terrifying. And that should terrify every citizen who values the American ideal in this country of individual liberty.”

Cuomo returned fire in a matter of hours.

“If Wayne LaPierre is attacking you, you know you’re doing something right,” he said.

“I am proud of my F rating from the NRA.”

TSA to Test New Bomb Detection Technology at Penn Station

By Michael V. Cusenza The Transportation Safety Administration on Tuesday announced that it is partnering with Amtrak in Penn Station to test new security technology that can help officials detect whether an individual is concealing an improvised explosive device such as a suicide vest.

According to the TSA, the passive system, known as a stand-off explosive detection unit, triggers an alarm if an individual carrying/wearing a person-borne improvised explosive device passes by the mechanism. It is a type of screening technology that can be used by Amtrak and mass transit agencies to detect potential threats— metallic or non-metallic—by identifying objects that block the naturally-occurring emissions in a person’s body. No radiation of any kind is emitted by the unit, TSA officials assured, and no anatomical details of a person are displayed.

The federal agency noted that the use of such a device enables a rail or transit agency—such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority—to help safeguard against terrorist threats in the mass transit environment. It is operated by employees of the agency, not by TSA. The administration is, however, supplying two models of the equipment for the purposes of the demonstration. One model is mounted on a tripod

One model of the technology shows a “green ghost” image of an individual who has an explosive device concealed on his back, beneath his shirt.

and another is contained in a trunk.

The TSA announcement comes nearly three months after Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged the agency to test the technology that helps to detect suicide vests or other strapped-to-the-body explosive devices in NYC. Schumer also called on federal officials to deliver these devices to law enforcement and transit agencies for use in the city’s busiest transit hubs.

Schumer reached out to TSA leadership regarding the technology in December, days

Photo Courtesy of TSA

after an attempted terror attack at the New continue to put both the testing and the York Port Authority Bus Terminal at West perfecting of this technology on the fast42nd Street and Eighth Avenue, in which track,” Schumer said on Monday. “America’s Bangladesh native Akayed Ullah allegedly busiest cities, like New York, are the places strapped an improvised low-tech explosive where these devices will save lives, and if device to his body with zip ties and Velcro. they work as well as touted, we must purThe crude device detonated prematurely. In sue an expedited seal of approval that gives all, five people were hurt in the blast, with all of us another layer of security to fend off Ullah incurring the most severe injuries. would be lone wolf terror. As the threats we “The ability to detect concealed ex- face evolve our preparedness and response plosives worn by cowards looking to do must evolve as well to remain a step ahead us harm demands the federal government of evil doers.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 17 • Number 09 MARCH 1, 2018 | 7

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Elder Fraud Sweep Nets 250+ Alleged Crooks: DOJ

Photo Courtesy of FBI

FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich delivers remarks on Thursday at press conference announcing elder fraud charges.

By Forum Staff More than 250 suspects from around the world found themselves in cuffs last Thursday following the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in recorded history, according to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

The cases include criminal, civil, and forfeiture actions across that victimized more than a million Americans in every state, most of whom were elderly. In total, the charged elder fraud financial schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars, Sessions noted.

“Today’s actions send a clear message: We will hold perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are,” the attorney general added. “When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all the tools at the department’s disposal – criminal prosecutions to punish offenders, civil injunctions to shut the schemes down, and asset forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains. Today is only the beginning. I have directed department prosecutors to coordinate with both domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to stop these criminals from exploiting our seniors.”

According to DOJ, the actions charged a

variety of fraud schemes, ranging from mass mailing, telemarketing and investment frauds to individual incidences of identity theft and theft by guardians. A number of cases involved transnational criminal organizations that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims, while others involved a single relative or fiduciary who took advantage of an individual victim. The schemes charged in these cases caused losses to more than a million victims.

Some examples of elder financial exploitation include: • “Lottery phone scams,” in which callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before one can receive lottery winnings; • “Grandparent scams,” which convince seniors that their grandchildren have been arrested and need bail money; • “Romance scams,” which lull victims to believe that their online paramour needs funds for a U.S. visit or some other purpose; • “IRS imposter schemes,” which defraud victims by posing as IRS agents and claiming that victims owe back taxes; • “Guardianship schemes,” which siphon seniors’ financial resources into the bank accounts of deceitful relatives or guardians.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation not-

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

FLU UPDATE FOR NYS What you need to know Back on January 25, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order (EO) No. 176 declaring a Disaster Emergency in NYS in response to this year’s severe influenza season.

This order granted permission to pharmacists already authorized to administer influenza vaccine to adults 18 years and older to also administer influenza vaccine to children between 2 years and 18 years of age through February 23, 2018.

A clause accompanied the order allowing 30day extensions as need arose, and a little less than a week ago, Gov. Cuomo signed and extension, which will remain in effect until March 22.

Since the original order was issued in January, there has been a 9% increase in lab confirmed cases of the flu statewide, but the good news is that there has been a 13% decrease in hospitalizations since last week, marking the second week of such declines.

To date 8,468 New Yorkers between the ages of 2-18 have been vaccinated at pharmacies since EO 176 was first signed.

As of last week 18,258 confirmed cases were reported according to the NYS Department of Health (DOH), the highest weekly number since reporting began nearly 14 years ago in 2004.

Over the last 11 weeks, the flu has been widespread across our state with 87,619 lab confirmed cases with a total of nearly 17,000

hospitalizations, 1,098 of those being children.

Over the last four years there were a total of 25 pediatric flu deaths and this year the total has risen to 5.

Despite the fact that the weekly number of hospitalizations have been on the decline, doctors warn that this especially virulent form of the flu is still "on the rampage" and that prevention and precaution are the best weapons that can be taken to safeguard yourself and your families.

One very fortunate property of the flu is that unlike some viruses, it is easily killed and washing your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds protects you from germs and helps spreading them to others.

We also strongly recommend that you carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not available. Choose a product with at least 60 percent alcohol, which are readily available at your local pharmacy.

Please remember the importance of not sneezing into your hands as that is a sure fire way to potentially spread the virus.

Instead, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

People with the flu are infectious for up to 7 days after symptoms begin. We will continue to keep you updated and remember, we are just a phone call away from helping you with any questions you may have.

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ed on Thursday that, last year, it opened more than 200 financial crime cases that involved elderly victims. The investigations covered a range of crimes, from investment frauds to reverse mortgage scams. Often, the cases involved “outright theft by people the victim should have been able to trust, to include their attorneys, financial advisers, and, even more egregious, their guardians and caregivers,” said FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich. “These fraudsters view our seniors as prime targets.”

Many senior citizens have large nest eggs

saved over decades, Bowdich noted. At the same time, they may not be technologically savvy. The scammers also know that elderly victims often don’t report being victimized either because they feel guilty or embarrassed, “or because they don’t even realize they are being scammed.”

The outcome is heavy toll on the targets, Bowdich acknowledged.

“We understand how devastating a fraudulent scheme against elderly victims can be, not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and even physically,” he said.

Senator ‘Extremely Concerned’ about Proposed ACS Reimbursement Spending Cap

By Forum Staff An elected Queens official recently fired off identical letters to Albany leadership indicating he’s “extremely concerned” about the proposed spending cap on reimbursements to the City for child welfare services.

State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) sent missives to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein regarding the proposal that was featured in the preliminary Executive Budget rollout last month that called for a $320 million reimbursement cap “intended to produce savings to the State.”

However, Peralta said, “advocates have made it clear that the cap…will yield grave fiscal consequences for the City of New York and those under the care of the Adminis10 MARCH 1, 2018 • Number 09 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

tration for Children’s Services.”

The senator went on to write that the current reimbursement system “has contributed to lower child protective caseloads and a decrease in juvenile justice detentions and placements. The proposed $320 million cap runs counter to our shared goal of keeping children out of the foster care and the juvenile justice system. When the State has implemented caps in the past, New York City foster care placements spiked…This is not the time to cut off the very funding that can prevent more children from being institutionalized.”

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Peralta’s Office

The proposed cap, Peralta said, “will yield grave fiscal consequences” for the City and the children under its care.

City Offers Flu Shot Vouchers for Uninsured and Underinsured Residents

By Forum Staff The City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on Monday announced a collaboration with Walgreens to offer 1,000 vouchers for flu shots at 11 Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacies located in areas with high rates of people without health insurance and low flu-vaccination rates.

According to the City, the vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, and will allow uninsured and underinsured individuals to receive the flu vaccine at no cost. The vaccine is subject to availability, and age, state and health related restrictions may apply. The vouchers are available for New Yorkers 7 years of age and older who do not have health insurance.

In Queens, the Duane Reade at 136-02 Roosevelt Ave. in Flushing, and a Jamaica Walgreens at 159-34 Jamaica Ave. are official City flu shot voucher locations.

The Health Department implored all residents to get their annual flu shot so they are protected against the influenza virus and its severe symptoms and complications. A flu shot, administered even after influenza season has arrived, can still provide protection and mitigate the symptoms and complications should one contract the virus, according to Health officials. Preliminary data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control

The Walgreens at 159-34 Jamaica Ave. is an official City flu shot voucher location.

and Prevention indicates that the vaccine can prevent about 59 percent of influenza cases in young children (ages 6 months to 8 years), and overall, it can prevent about one-third of cases. Fatal influenza cases are more much more likely to occur among children who have not been vaccinated, the federal agency noted.

This flu season, the Health Department has confirmed four pediatric deaths in the city. Every year, DOHMH officials said,

Photo Courtesy of Google

more New Yorkers die from influenza and pneumonia (a common complication of the flu) than from any other infection. In 2015, 2,094 residents of the five boroughs died from influenza and pneumonia. Approximately 90 percent of influenza-related deaths are among people aged 65 years and older.

The Health Department also issued these tips to help prevent the spread of influenza:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• If you or your child is sick with influenza, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them and seek care. There are antiviral drugs that a health care worker can prescribe that can treat influenza, reducing the time that you are ill and preventing some of the more serious complications of this infection.

• If your child is at high risk for influenza complications, you should speak to your medical provider about antiviral medication if they develop influenza-like symptoms.

• If a child has a condition like asthma, call a doctor if they show influenza-like symptoms.

• Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.

• Contact your doctor or seek medical care if you develop flu-like symptoms and are at risk of complications to determine if antiviral treatment is indicated. If you develop severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, obtain medical care right away.

Location information can be obtained by calling 311. New Yorkers can redeem the voucher by visiting any of the 11 locations.

Supreme Court Declines to Hear Trump DACA Appeal

By Michael V. Cusenza In what judiciary and immigration pundits deemed a victory for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals supporters, the Supreme Court on Monday effectively issued a stay of execution for the program by declining to hear the Trump administration’s appeal of lower court decisions that kept DACA in place.

The White House was set to shutter the Obama era policy on March 5.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DACA allows certain people who came to the United States as children, and meet several guidelines, to request consideration of deferred action from deportation for two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer deportation for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status, USCIS has noted.

In September, President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Justice to initiate the orderly phase out of DACA. “Such an open-ended cir-

Monday’s ruling is considered a victory, albeit a temporary one, for DACA recipients.

cumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive branch,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Shortly after the White House DACA edict, NY State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman led a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing suit to protect DACA grantees. The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, details how the Trump administration

has violated the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution by discriminating against DREAMers of Mexican origin, who make up 78 percent of DACA recipients; violated Due Process rights; and harmed states’ residents, institutions, and economies.

And in January, a federal district judge granted an injunction which, at least temporarily, halted the shutdown.

“The DACA program — which provides work permits and

Photo Courtesy of CUNY DREAMers

district judge has unwisely intervened in the legislative process.

We look forward to having this case expeditiously heard by the appeals court and, if necessary, the Supreme Court, where we fully expect to prevail.”

Schneiderman lauded the SCOTUS decision.

“Today, the Supreme Court denied President Trump’s effort to circumvent the usual judicial process – ensuring that the preliminary injunctions we secured to block President Trump’s DACA rescission will remain in place for now. This is a win for the 42,000 New York Dreamers and over 700,000 Dreamers across the country, and for the millions of families, businesses, hospitals, and universities that depend on Dreamers every single day,” he said. “It also does not change the fact that we need a permanent solution to preserve DACA and protect Dreamers. Congress must act.

I’m proud to lead our coalition of 17 attorneys general who have been fighting in court since September to protect Dreamers and preserve DACA. We look forward to continuing this critical fight moving forward.”

myriad government benefits to illegal immigrants en masse — is clearly unlawful,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Raj Shah said in a statement on Monday.

“The district judge’s decision unilaterally to re-impose a program that Congress had explicitly and repeatedly rejected is a usurpation of legislative authority. The fact that this occurs at a time when elected representatives in Congress are actively debating this policy only underscores that the THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 17 • Number 09 MARCH 1, 2018 | 11

EDITORIAL Perhaps lost in the overwhelmingly negative news cycles that are dominated by the “if it bleeds, it leads” journalism mantra, or whatever Twitter tantrum our infant-in-chief is throwing at the moment, are the positive pieces that might—MIGHT—inspire us to look at the proverbial glass as half full.

Last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the State Department of Health announced that the adult smoking rate has fallen to the lowest in the Empire State’s recorded history. The statewide adult smoking rate is 14.2 percent as of 2016, a 22-percent decline from 2011 and below the national average of 15.5 percent.

We can almost hear you yawning from here. But this is a big deal.

“These record lows demonstrate that New York's anti-smoking efforts are working,” Cuomo said. “Reducing smoking – and the death and misery that come with it – is critical to protecting public health and we will continue our work to create a safer and healthier New York for all.”

According to the administration, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual statewide telephone survey of adults developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and administered by the State DOH, found: Smoking rates have declined even more

SMOKE SIGNAL

dramatically among young adults age 1824 years, decreasing by 46 percent, to 11.7 percent in 2016 from 21.6 percent in 2011.

In addition, significant progress is being made among certain groups that have higher rates of smoking than the general population. Notable reductions were observed among adults with: • Less than a high school education, where the smoking rate decreased 25 percent – to 19.2 percent in 2016 from 25.7 percent in 2011;

• Annual household incomes below $25,000 where the smoking rate decreased 29 percent – to 19.8 percent in 2016 from 27.8 percent in 2011; and • Poor mental health – defined as reported problems with stress, depression or emotions on at least 14 of the previous 30 days – where the smoking rate decreased 20 percent – to 26 percent in 2016 from 32.6 percent in 2011.

“New York State has made great strides in reducing tobacco use, which is the num-

ber one preventable cause of death and disease in the state,” noted State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, M.D. “We must continue to work together to educate the public, encourage smokers to quit and prevent tobacco use in New York.”

According to DOH, some of the proven policy strategies that have led to substantial progress in New York include having the highest state tobacco tax in the nation, comprehensive clean indoor air laws that restrict smoking in most work areas including bars and restaurants, and strong enforcement of laws that restrict minors’ access to tobacco and protect New Yorkers from secondhand smoke.

Additionally, DOH works with healthcare systems such as hospitals and federally qualified health centers to integrate cessation interventions into the routine delivery of health care. In this systemsbased approach, clinicians assess every patient for tobacco use at every visit, and provide aggressive evidence-based tobacco dependence treatments including counseling and medications, which are effective across diverse populations.

There you have it. Some positive reinforcement—however brief—in an incredibly negative world that, according to the those who author the 24-hour news cycles, has already gone to hell.

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Ride Rite Transportation LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 10/23/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 2353 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105. General Purposes.

Notice of Qualification of RETROPERSPECTIVE, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/16/18.

Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in California (CA) on 04/01/16. Princ. office of LLC: Susanne Filkins, 43-01 21 St., #320, Long Island City, NY 11101. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. CA addr. of LLC: c/o Patrick McCabe, One Maritime Plaza, 18th Fl., San Francisco, CA 94111. Cert. of Form. filed with Alex Padilla, CA Secy. of State, 1500 11th St., Sacramento, CA 95814.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

FE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 10/31/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: SOPHIE-ANNE NELSON, 9014 161St Street, Apt. 507, Jamaica, NY 11432. General Purposes.

Notice of Formation of CHIGGY & N LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/8/15. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 83-09 Talbot St., Apt. 4C, Kew Gardens, NY 11415. Purpose: any lawful activity.

22-73 28th Street, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 12/08/17.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Jaclyn Fontana, 8 Sarah Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788.

General Purposes.

AMIANTOS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/14/2012. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of DREAMHIVE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State

of NY (SSNY) on 12/18/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: REGISTERED AGENTS INC. , 90 STATE STREET, SUITE 700, OFFICE 40, ALBANY, NY 12207.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

CLEAN STAMP, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 12/18/17.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: UNITED STATE CORPORATION AGENTS, INC. , 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NY 11228. General Purposes.

6 Roosevelt Pl, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 11/30/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Xing Tao Zheng, 251-14 Van Zandt Ave, Little Neck, NY 11362. General Purposes.

Legal Notices

LOST FOODS NEW YORK,LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 10/11/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Lost Foods New York,LLC, 49-15 Skillman Avenue, #3c, Woodside, NY 11377. General Purposes.

CLIFTON #1 NOTE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/04/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: ELLEN CHARLES BOIS, 29-43 143RD STREET, FLUSHING, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

DATADASH SOLUTIONS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/06/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: MICHAEL CARNEY, 4146 70TH STREET, 3FL., WOODSIDE, NY 11377. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company NAME: 7227 66 STREET LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/16/2018.

Office of Location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, 72-27 66 th Street Ridgewood, New York 11385. Purpose: any lawful activity.

JANE PARKER BAKED GOODS LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 1/31/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:THE LLC, 3811 DITMARS BLVD., SUITE 120B, ASTORIA, NY 11105. General Purposes.

Rk Williams Jr LLC. Filed 11/8/17.

Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave Ste 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: General.

Notice of formation of ZFA MANAGEMENT LLC Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 01/23/2018. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY Shell mail copy of any process served against the LLC 13692 ROOSEVELT AVE FLUSHING NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

ANY AVENUE, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 12/11/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:United States Corporation Agents, Inc.,7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. General Purposes.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of MENUON, LLC. Art. of Org. filed w/Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/14/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to: 7014 13 Ave. #202, Bklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

14 MARCH 1, 2018 • Number 09 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the17 day of JULY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-000385-17/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) MONIRUL (middle) ISLAM (last) CHOWDHURY. The city and state of my address is 102-26 92ND AVENUE, RICHMOND HILL, NY 114182905. The date of my birth is MAY 06, 1984; place of my birth is BANGLADESH; my present name is MONRUL ISLAM: grants me the right to assume the name of (first) FAHMIDA (middle) SULTANA (last) CHOWDHURY. The city and state of my address is 102-26 92ND AVENUE, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418-2905. The date of my birth is DECEMBER 22,1990; place of my birth is BANGLADESH; my present name is FAHMIDA SULTANA Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 2 day of FEBRUARY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-001126-17/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) DAVID (last) MANDEL. The city and state of my address is 1662 SEAGIRT BLVD.,FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11691. The date of my birth is MAY 06, 1984; place of my birth is QUEENS, NY; my present name is DAVID MANDEL SHALITZKY (infant): grants me the right to assume the name of first) DAVID (last) MANDEL. The city and state of my address is 1662 SEAGIRT BLVD.,FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11691. The date of my birth is MAY 06, 1984; place of my birth is QUEENS, NY; my present name is DAVID MANDEL SHALITZKY (infant) Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 16 day of FEBRUARY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-001029-17/ 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) PRINCE (middle) DAVID EMMANUAL (last) HOBSON. The city and state of my address is 438 BEACH 40TH STREET, APT 10F, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. The date of my birth is DECEMBER 04, 1994 ; place of my birth QUEENS, NY , my present name is DAVID EMMANUAL PRINCE HOBSON akaDAVID P. HOBSON

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 29 day of JANUARY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-001041-17/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) PATRIA (middle) TASHA-ANN (last) HAREWOOD. The city and state of my address is 144-07 229TH Street, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413-3617. The date of my birth is JANUARY 14, 1983 ; place of my birth is JAMAICA, W.I. , my present name is PATRIA TASHA ANN PALMER AKA PATRIA TASHA-ANN PALMER

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 14 day of FEBRUARY 2018, bearing Index Number NC-000055-17/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)COURTNEY (middle) HOWARD (last) McCARTY. The city and state of my address is 1027 Beach 19th St, 2, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11691.

The date of my birth is OCTOBER 25,1998; place of my birth is JAMAICA, WEST INDIES; my present name is COURTNEY HOWARD MCCARTHY AKA COURTNEY HOWARD MCCARTHY Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 12 day of DECEMBER 2018, bearing Index Number NC-000799-17/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) HEBATALLA (last) SHOAEIB. The city and state of my address is 3038 86th Street, Apt. #2, East Elmhurst, NY 11369.

The date of my birth is JULY 23, 1999; the place of my birth is ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT; my present name is HEBATALLA ASHRAF MOHAMED AHMED MOHAMED SHOEB AKA HEBATALLA ASRAF SHOEIB. BARE NY LASER AESTHETICS, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 02/01/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:Bare Laser Aesthetics, LLC, 253-15 80th Avenue #211, Queens, NY 11004. General Purposes.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 17 • Number 09 MARCH 1, 2018 | 15

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16 MARCH 1, 2018 • Number 09 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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