THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | JUNE 22, 2017

VOL. 16 • NUMBER 25 • JUNE 22, 2017

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

South & West

BUSHOVER Irate Residents Confront Frustrated President of Now-Defunct Howard Beach Citizens Safety Patrol for Pledging to Remove Plants, Trees from Beautification Site Safety Patrol President Joe Thompson this week announced that his group, which officially disbanded earlier this month, will be removing shrubbery from its former Adopt-A-Highway site on 156th Avenue and 84th Street.

See Story on Page 3 Forum Photo by Patricia Adams

Page 4

NYC Ferry to Hire Charter Boats to Accommodate Ridership

Page 7

Senator Demands DEA Deploy Special Heroin Combat Team to NY

Page 10

Addabbo Renews Call to Eradicate Hazardous Cocklofts

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 25 JUNE 22, 2017 | 1

Where perfection is not an accident…

And at Sonny’s Collision Specialists, that’s what we offer our customers – perfection.

We know how stressful it can be when you are without your vehicle.

At Sonny’s, you will never be dissatisfied – in fact, we’re so sure that we offer you a rental vehicle at our expense if you’re not completely satisfied with our work when we return your vehicle.

Now exclusively OUR LIFETIME GUARANTEE IS UNLIMITED at Sonny's On Site HERTZ • Free computerized estimates Rental Office We have your rental car • Computerized color matching here already!

• Laser measured unibody straightening No wait, no line, no hassle-no accident.

• Full down draft European heated spray booth • Free 24 hour towing with any collision repair • Your vehicle will be delivered to your door when the job is completed • Sonny’s only uses original factory authorized parts • Rental cars are available • Paintless dent removal AT SONNY’S, NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL! OUR FULL TIME STAFF INSURANCE ADJUSTERS WILL REPORT YOUR CLAIMS AND HELP YOU SETTLE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

106-12 Atlantic Avenue, Richmond Hill NY 11416

1-888-4SONNYS

Phone: 718-738-6721 • Fax: 718-846-7755 2 JUNE 22, 2017 • Number 25 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Howard Beach Residents Dismayed at Actions of President of Disbanding Citizens Safety Patrol

By Michael V. Cusenza The online antics of the president of the now-defunct Howard Beach Citizens Safety Patrol this week riled up some members of the community who implored him not to remove trees and other greenery his organization had installed at an area beautification site the group had maintained for years.

Joe Thompson, who earlier this month announced via Facebook that the patrol would be disbanding, also recently took to the social media network to declare that he and his organization were interested in donating the shrubbery patrol members cultivated at its Adopt-a-Highway location on 156th Avenue and 84th Street in Lindenwood near the Belt Parkway.

In myriad posts, Thompson, who adopted the site in September 2015, said he and members of the group were returning it “to the way it was” because, he claimed, Community Board 10 “wrote several letters complaining about a chain-link fence that we paid for” and that as a result of the alleged letter-writing campaign, the City Department of Transportation, which operates the Adopt-a-Highway program, indicated that it would not renew the HBCSP’s commitment to the patch for another two years.

“That is why we are returning this area to the mountain of dirt it was when we received it,” Thompson wrote on Facebook.

Official Community Board 10 documents are public record. CB 10 reached out

File Photo

Joe Thompson

to DOT to see if the fence was permitted at the beautification site – it did not register an official complaint, nor could The Forum find any evidence to support Thompson’s claim of “several letters” being sent to the City agency.

On Monday, some Howard Beach residents were horrified at the destruction of the site. “[Y]ou are ripping up a beautified spot regardless of who paid, right? It has already been paid for and the work done,” Alice Baumann wrote in a Facebook reply to a Thompson post. “But, if you can’t have

your way, no one can enjoy it anymore. That makes you part of the problem not the solution. I have defended your organization to naysayers for the last time. Taking away the beautification is spiteful. Like a child smashing a toy because he can’t play with it anymore and he doesn’t want others to enjoy.”

Facebook user Catherine Zaita added, “Something wrong with this. Destroying what was beautiful.”

Thompson has also publicly admonished CB 10, the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic, and the City Police Depart-

ment for forcing the patrol to disband after three years. “[W]hen when I saw the changes in our community going toward the worst, I wanted to help. But with the positive changes that we were doing, some people got very jealous that we were taken the fame from them, and did everything they could to stop us using their political powers,” Thompson wrote.

“The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic is an organization that collaborates with the community, local community groups, the NYPD and our elected officials to strengthen the community we live in,” Civic President Joann Ariola told The Forum this week. “Initially, the civic had no objection to the Howard Beach Citizens Safety Patrol.

However, the organizations non-compliance with the NYPD’s guidelines that govern a sanctioned patrol has caused the civic to place HBCOP at arm’s length.”

Additionally, in May of 2015, The Forum obtained information indicating that Thompson has a criminal background, according to court records. In April 2001, he was arrested and charged with one count each of enterprise corruption and third-degree promoting prostitution, class B and D felonies, respectively, in New York.

According to a Spectrum News New York 1 report, Thompson blamed “the charges on a foolish investment in an escort service.”

State Panel Approves Familial DNA Searching

“This is a monumental accomplishment,” Phil Vetrano said.

By Michael V. Cusenza The New York State Commission on Forensic Science on Friday voted to approve Familial DNA Searching.

The 9-2 tally casts the Empire State as the eleventh of the union to feature the in-

Photo Courtesy of Daniel Offner

vestigative tool that is based on a two-phase process which attempts to provide leads for law enforcement agencies by identifying an individual in existing DNA databases who is highly likely to be a close relative of the donor of the DNA profile derived from the evidence found at the crime scene.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown called the panel’s approval “a victory for justice and the people of the State of New York. The Commission has insured more victims will receive justice, the public will be safer, and we in law enforcement can better guard against wrongful arrest and convictions. From the time I first advocated last year for authorization of this tool, I maintained that, with appropriated safeguards, familial DNA searching could effectively be employed to solve crimes. I am gratified that the Commission agreed.

The framework approved by the Commission strikes a fair balance between use of new scientific tools to solve serious cases and protection of individual rights and privacy. I commend the Commission on this thoughtful, balanced procedure.”

Calls for the Commission to quickly authorize the testing increased in recent months after the family of slain Howard Beach jogger Karina Vetrano and DA Brown in December implored the State to act in order to aid investigators who at the time had yet to develop a suspect in the four-month-old case.

Vetrano, 30, was beaten, strangled, and

HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD CIVIC MEETING NOTICE

sexually assaulted in the evening hours of Aug. 2, 2016, on her daily run inside Spring Creek Park. DNA collected at the scene and from Vetrano’s body yielded no hits in any law-enforcement database. East New York resident Chanel Lewis, 20, was charged in February with the murder.

“This is a monumental accomplishment,” Karina’s dad, Phil Vetrano, said on Friday. “It’s unheard-of and unprecedented that this could possibly happen in five months. This will be a tremendous tool for law enforcement and for justice. And it’s only because of Karina. Without her driving us forward, this never would have happened.”

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) added, “This community owes the Commission, NYC’s District Attorneys, the NYPD, and most of all the Vetranos a great debt for their tenacity and selflessness. They took a personal tragedy and made it about protecting the community. I’m proud to be their representative, and I’m proud to stand with them today as they usher in a new era of protection and greater clarity, both for victims and their families as well as for the accused.”

Monday, June 26,

7:30PM St. Helen Catholic Academy • 83-09 157th Ave. Howard Beach, NY 11414

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 25 JUNE 22, 2017 | 3

Popularity Forcing NYC Ferry to Hire Charter Boats

By Michael V. Cusenza The de Blasio administration may have underestimated the immediate popularity of NYC Ferry, the City’s sea-faring public transit option that has drawn enormous weekend crowds that have forced transportation officials to charter more vessels, according to a recent New York Times report.

The City is renting “two extra boats — each capable of carrying 400 people — to handle summer weekend crowds, at a cost of $485,000 for the summer, or about $60,000 per weekend,” the Times wrote.

Additionally, the Grey Lady reports, the demand has compelled the administration to change the City’s existing order for new vessels from NYC Ferry operator Hornblower.

The original arrangement “called for 20 boats from two shipyards on the Gulf Coast, each of which can hold 149 passengers.

Now the City has asked that three of the 20 boats be larger, outfitted with bigger engines and with a capacity to hold 250 passengers,

The City has chartered two additional vessels for the summer season.

officials said [last] Wednesday.

Those boats would not be ready until next year.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio and borough elected officials last month celebrated the grand opening of the first two routes of NYC Ferry with a ceremonial first ride from

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

the Rockaways to Manhattan.

Mayor Bill de Blasio was a passenger on the ceremonial first voyage of the Urban Journey vessel, along with the boat’s official godmother, Laura Deckelmann.

Last year, Rockaway activists Danny and Linda Ruscillo set up

a petition to have the Beach 108th Street NYC Ferry dock named “Deckelman’s Landing,” after the longtime Rockaway Ferry advocate.

“The ferry will finally link the rest of New York City to Rockaway, so that visitors can experi-

ence all the benefits the peninsula has to offer,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach).

The Rockaway route officially launched on Monday, May 1, at 5:15 a.m. – a month ahead of schedule. It offers service between Beach 108th Street, the Brooklyn Army Terminal, and Wall Street’s Pier 11.

And on June 1, the South Brooklyn Route – which links Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Wall Street – will begin. Astoria service will launch in August, with the exact date still being determined.

The final routes, the Lower East Side and Soundview routes, launch in 2018.

According to the City, once the NYC Ferry system is fully operating in 2018, the combined routes will cover more than 60 miles of waterway at $2.75 per ride, the same cost of a subway ride. In April, the City Economic Development Corporation and Hornblower announced that the cost of a 30-day unlimited ferry pass will be $121, the same as a 30-day MetroCard.

Ulrich Blasts de Blasio over Handling of Mayoral Control ‘Crisis’

By Michael V. Cusenza As of late Wednesday afternoon, with a midnight deadline looming, no deal had been made to secure mayoral control of city schools. And at least one area elected official knows who to blame.

“New Yorkers have every reason to be concerned about the future of mayoral control, especially when Mayor de Blasio has lost the confidence of our leaders in Albany,” City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said in a statement released on Monday. “The crisis surrounding mayoral control of public schools is entirely his own making given his fractured relationship with Governor Cuomo and members of both parties in the State Assembly and Senate.

It’s shameful that Mayor de Blasio now wants to blame Republicans and members of the IDC for a political problem he created. While I certainly hope mayoral control is extended for the sake of our children, I also hope that New Yorkers will remember how we got into this mess in the first place.”

De Blasio and Senate Republicans have been quarrelling over mayoral control terms for

Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Kanter/Mayoral Photography Office

“The crisis surrounding mayoral control of public schools is entirely his own making,” Councilman Ulrich said of Mayor de Blasio.

months. Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan has reportedly offered one-, two-, and even fiveyear extensions of control, but the deals come with demands, including tuition tax credits for private and parochial schools in the five boroughs and lifting the charter school cap.

De Blasio has said that State

4 JUNE 22, 2017 • Number 25 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

lawmakers should hand over the reins to City schools sans negotiations. The Assembly, led by a Democratic majority, has already passed a bill granting the mayor a two-year extension.

With the State Legislature set to adjourn on Wednesday, a return to the pre-2002 Board of Education days hovers over City

Hall; and proponents of mayoral control have said that’s not an era the City school system – and parents and teachers – need to revisit.

Our kids should be above politics. Their futures can’t be treated as pawns in a political game. And the largest school system in the nation shouldn’t be used as legislative leverage. That’s why Albany

must immediately reauthorize mayoral control. The question is whether it’s the right thing or wrong thing to do, and there is no doubt that extending mayoral control is to everyone’s benefit,” City Comptroller Scott Stringer said earlier this month.

On Friday, the Mayor’s Press Office issued a release featuring links to decidedly negative news stories “showing rampant corruption, disarray in NYC Schools without accountability of mayoral control,” straight from the Board of Ed era.

“Before Albany granted New York City control over our own schools, accountability was so limited that patronage, chaos and corruption were allowed to run rampant. The lack of oversight allowed: • jobs to be sold • for people to hold jobs they didn’t show up to for years on end • money to be stolen directly from schools • school board members openly admitting they would never send their children to schools in the districts they represented • the hiring of drug dealers and gang members, including as school safety officers.”

De Blasio Touts Gains in Build It Back Program

By Michael V. Cusenza Nearly 1,400 homes in the City Build It Back program have finished construction since October 2016, Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced.

The 1,394 projects include ground-up reconstructions, elevating existing homes and extensive rehabilitations of damaged properties. According to the administration, as of last week, 3,819 Superstorm Sandy-damaged homes have completed construction.

“While we still have a lot of work to do, we are seeing real progress under Build It Back, and more families hurt by Sandy are moving home every week. We will never walk away from the families and communities so badly damaged by this storm,” de Blasio said.

According to the City, Build It Back is now completing homes on an aggressive schedule, and has significantly increased its pace. When de Blasio took office in January 2014, no homes were under construction and no checks had been issued. The program began under the Bloomberg administration in 2013.

Of 8,278 applicants in BIB, 5,174 require construction work performed by Build It Back.

As of June 13, 4,746 of those homes, or 92 percent, have seen construction start, and 3,819, or 74 percent, have seen construction finished.

Overall, 95 percent of families have been issued a check or are in construction.

Of the projects where the City is managing construction, which comprise the vast majority of Build It Back homes, 98 percent of hom-

Courtesy of Build It Back

According to the City, as of last week, 3,819 Superstorm Sandy-damaged homes in the Build It Back program have completed construction.

eowners have been served and 86 percent have had their construction finished, de Blasio said.

Out of a total $20 billion allocated to the City by the federal government for Sandy re-

covery, Build It Back will cost $2.2 billion. The average age of homes in the program is 81 years old, the administration noted, predating modern building codes. After construction began,

and damaged and deteriorated conditions of homes became clearer, the de Blasio administration requested, and the federal government approved, adding $500 million to the $1.7 billion estimate of costs needed to complete the program. “[Superstorm] Sandy, the worst natural disaster in the city’s history, demonstrated our vulnerabilities to coastal storms and flooding risks. It also demanded that we not only build back what was, but that we invest to better prepare for the growing risks of climate change and rising seas,” said Daniel Zarrilli, NYC’s senior director for Climate Policy and Programs and Chief Resilience Officer.

“Today’s announcement shows that, despite the many challenges, the hard work is paying off. Thanks to Amy Peterson and her team at Build it Back, we are seeing results. These efforts, and others being taken across the city as part of an over-$20-billion resiliency program, are helping us to build a stronger, more resilient city.”

The positive news arrives after BIB garnered a flurry of negative headlines at the end of 2016. In October, de Blasio informed residents that the administration will not be able to wrap up the Build it Back by the end of this year, a deadline set by Hizzoner in October 2015. And in September 2016, the Wall Street Journal reported that “significant cost overruns in Build it Back appear to be leaving city taxpayers on the hook for some of the storm-protection initiatives. The program is about $500 million over budget.”

OZONE PARK 78-02 LIBERTY AVE • 888-998-2373 JAMAICA 109-09 180TH ST • 877-295-5171

TISTORAGE.COM

see manager for details

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 25 JUNE 22, 2017 | 5

102nd Precinct Detectives Look to Collar Prolific Burglar

By Michael V. Cusenza City Police Department detectives recently reached out to the public for help in identifying a man wanted for questioning in connection to five burglaries in Richmond Hill and Kew Gardens over the past month.

According to police reports, on Thursday, May 18, around 6 a.m., the suspect entered a residential building within the vicinity of Lefferts Boulevard and Metropolitan Avenue, used an unknown object to enter an apartment and removed jewelry.

On Monday, May 29, around 6:30 a.m., the man entered a residential building within the vicinity of Lefferts Boulevard and Metropoli-

tan Avenue, used an unknown object to enter an apartment and removed $40,000 worth of Jewelry It was reported to the police that on Monday, June 5, at approximately 11:15 a.m., the same man entered a residential building within the vicinity of 83rd Avenue and Kew Gardens Road, used an unknown object to enter an apartment and removed $5,500 worth of jewelry.

On Monday, June 5, around 7:45 a.m., the suspect entered a residential building within the vicinity of 115th Street and 84th Avenue in Richmond Hill, used an unknown object to enter an apartment and removed $500.00 in Canadian currency, sunglasses and a watch.

Photos Courtesy of NYPD And it was reported to the po- Police said this man is responsible for five recent residential burglaries.

lice that on Monday, June 5, around 3:30 p.m., the man entered a residential building within in the vicinity of 118th Street and 83rd Avenue, used an unknown object to enter an apartment and removed $1,500 worth of jewelry.

The suspect is a black man, approximately 25-35 years of age, medium complexion.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit info by logging onto NYPDCrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All correspondences are strictly confidential.

Jackson Heights Woman Sentenced to 12 to 22 Years in Prison for Deadly Bayside Crash

By Forum Staff A 48-year-old Queens woman, whose reckless driving claimed the lives of a mother and her two daughters, in a car crash, is headed to prison, where she will spend a long time behind bars. .

Presiding Judge Michael Aloise, sentenced Deborah Burns to an indeterminate 5 to 15 years for three counts of second-degree manslaughter and seven years for two counts of second-degree assault with three years of post release supervision, fol-

lowing her conviction last month.

The sentences are to run consecutively.

Burns was driving her 2006 Ford Explorer northbound on 210th Street in a Bayside school zone, when she crossed a double yellow line and veered into oncoming traffic. The vehicle was traveling 45 mph in excess of the speed limit A black box recorder revealed that the 48-year-old Jackson Heights resident was going more than 60 mph when she struck the 2005 Toyota Camry driven by 75-year-old Young

Ju Ha, traveling with his family.

The Camry spun out of control and slammed into a tree. Ha’s daughter, Susanna Ha, 42, and her 10-year-old daughter Angelica Ung were in the backseat of the car and died within a few hours of the crash.

Another daughter, 8-year-old Michelle Ung, died three days later.

Both of Susanna’s parents, who were in the front of the car, were severely injured.

The defendant told police that she had just dropped her children at a basketball game and was circling

around the school in search of a parking spot. She said she was driving only 40 mph and blamed the other driver for crossing the double yellow line. Burns said that she had gotten very nervous and because of that, she swerved into the Camry, but video surveillance clearly substantiated both the excessive speed and that it was Burns’ vehicle that crossed over into oncoming traffic.

District Attorney Richard Brown, whose office maintains a zero tolerance policy for vehicular negligence, called the case a “senseless tragedy”.

“The defendant caused a horrific crash that took the lives of a mother and her two young children. A vehicle is not a toy and should be driven with the greatest of care at all times.

But this defendant barreled down a street at an excessive rate of speed, mindless of the 15 mph posted speed limit in the school zone. She drove recklessly and veered into on-coming traffic. The defendant’s actions caused immeasurable agony to the victims’ family. She has now been sentenced to a lengthy term of incarceration.”

Three Men Convicted of Gunpoint Burglary of Family in Jamaica Home

By Michael V. Cusenza A jury, who for the first time in a Queens court was presented with police body cam video as evidence, has convicted three men of a gunpoint home invasion that terrorized a family of five in Jamaica in June 2015, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Following a three-week trial, Aasim McPhee, 35, of Richmond Hill; Robb Bull, 28, address unknown; and John Hymes, 49, of Manhattan were convicted last Wednesday of first-degree burglary, first- and second-degree robbery, first-degree attempted robbery, third-degree Courtesy of Queens DA’s Office criminal possession of a weapon and The body cam video footage was the first ever introduced as evidence in a Queens court. endangering the welfare of a child.

Sentencing has been set for July 19, around 12:30 a.m. on June 4, 2015, man’s ground-floor bedroom and at which time Bull and Hymes each one of the occupants of a home on pointed a gun at him, ordering him face up to 25 years to life in prison. 105th Avenue heard loud banging to floor. Bull rushed up the stairs to McPhee is facing up to 25 years in on the front door. He called 911, the second floor and yelled out that prison. but before he could relay any in- he was the police and put a gun to a According to trial records, formation Hymes walked into the 17-year-old teenage girl’s head. The 6 JUNE 22, 2017 • Number 25 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

teen ran to her mother’s room with Bull behind her. He ordered both women to the floor and demanded money.

According to court records, all three defendants ransacked the home with both Bull and McPhee demanding money from the victims.

Moments later, responding police entered the house and announced themselves. Police Officer Timothy Brosnan, who was participating in the City Police Department’s pilot body cam program, turned his camera on and captured 28 minutes of video footage. That video footage showed the apprehension of both Bull and McPhee. The two men were trying to escape and had exited the house through a rear secondfloor window, but were found on the roof. Upon entering the backyard, Officer Brosnan observed Bull standing on the roof and McPhee crouched down and crawling toward the neighbor’s house. The police of-

ficer then observed McPhee making a tossing motion with his hands and heard a crash coming from the neighboring yard. A black firearm was recovered from the landing and a silver revolver was found in the neighboring yard. Hymes was caught hours later exiting the yard of the home.

According to the NYPD, 22,000 body cameras are scheduled for deployment by the end of 2019. The department has developed a policy that requires police officers to engage their BWC during the following circumstances: • All uses of force • All arrests and summonses • All interactions with people suspected of criminality • All searches of persons and property • Any officer response to a crime in progress • All interactions with emotionally disturbed people.

Schumer Demands Feds Deploy Special DEA Heroin Team to Empire State

By Forum Staff Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer on Sunday called on the federal government to step in and commit to providing New York with one of four special Drug Enforcement Agency heroin combat groups being delivered to states suffering from opioid abuse.

Schumer said recent numbers prove that when it comes to NYC and Long Island, the steady uptick of heroin busts, overdoses, and heavy local drug enforcement costs demand more federal resources—as soon as possible.

“Recent increases in drug busts, overdoses and emergency calls across New York City and Long Island all tied to heroin tell the story of an epidemic that needs more attention and action by the feds to foil,” Schumer said. “New York’s rampant heroin epidemic proves we are in

desperate need of one of the four special heroin enforcement teams being launched throughout the country. With more than a thousand deaths related to heroin overdoses in 2016 alone, it’s time for the DEA to bring its A-team to New York so that we can finally zero in on this epidemic and stop the scourge in its tracks. A new heroin enforcement team will help the NYPD, Long Island and other local police departments across the state beat back this dangerous tide.”

Schumer noted that he secured millions in federal funding for DEA in the Fiscal Year 2017 omnibus for the creation of the four specialized DEA groups specifically dedicated to counteracting heroin trafficking and eradicating its availability. Now, the senior senator from New York says the Empire State should receive one of those teams.

According to Schumer, the new

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor

Schumer called heroin in NY “an epidemic that needs more attention and action by the feds to foil.”

DEA enforcement groups will be directed to states that report heroin as the highest drug threat. In making the case for New York, Schumer said that the state’s heroin overdose death

rate increased by 30 percent in 2015.

Between the years 2005-2014, NY documented a 115-percent increase in heroin treatment admissions in upstate New York and a 116-percent increase on Long Island. In all, approximately 1.4 million New Yorkers suffer from a substance abuse disorder. Schumer also said that the New York DEA Field Division has identified the five boroughs as a major distribution hub for heroin mills, via John F. Kennedy International Airport – an entry point to more easily access the greater Northeast region.

Schumer said it makes sense to deliver one of these teams to New York State where local law enforcement agencies are on the frontlines. The recently-passed FY17 omnibus includes $12.5 million to the DEA for the creation of four new enforcement teams in divisions that report heroin as the highest drug threat. The funding will enable 42 agents for the new

teams, including 32 special agents.

According to the DEA, the threat posed by heroin abuse and availability nationwide has steadily increased since 2007. In 2014, 10,574 Americans died from heroin-related overdoses, and between 2007 and 2014, the number of heroin-related deaths increased 341 percent. Schumer said that New York has fallen victim to these deadly statistics. Since 2006, New York’s heroin overdose death rate has equaled or exceeded the national rate. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributed 1,058 deaths to heroin in 2015, an increase of nearly 29 percent from the previous year. In 2013, an average of two New Yorkers a day died of heroin-related overdoses.

According to the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, approximately four fatal opioid overdoses occurred each day in New York City last year.

Fraud Investigations Result in $1M+ Recovered from ‘Unscrupulous’ Auto Dealers, Repair Shops

By Michael V. Cusenza Nearly $1.1 million in refunds and repairs from auto dealers and repair shops has been recovered and returned to consumers, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last Thursday.

The State Department of Motor Vehicles’ Vehicle Safety Division, which is tasked with investigating consumer complaints, made the recoveries last year on behalf of 603 consumers throughout New York.

According to a regional breakdown of consumer recoveries from repair shops, auto dealers, and inspection stations based on com-

plaints made to DMV in 2016, New York City filed the most complaints (127) and, as a result, received the most in refunds and repairs ($206,868). Long Island was a close second, with $205,133 resulting from 99 complaints.

“When people buy a car or bring their car into a repair shop, they should have confidence that they are being treated fairly,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “If an unscrupulous operator tries to take advantage of them, our Vehicle Safety Division has proven it will stand up for consumers and help them recoup their losses.”

When customers make a complaint, DMV first tries to resolve

with dealers buying vehicles back.

However, if the problem is not resolved, a DMV inspector further investigates the complaint. If it is found that a dealer or shop violated laws and/or regulations, DMV can impose fines and suspend or revoke business registrations.

DMV receives more than 6,000 consumer complaints every year involving vehicle dealers or repair shops accused of selling vehicles in poor condition, failing to register vehicles, committing inspection Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor fraud, and making faulty repairs.

Gov. Cuomo said New York has “zero tolerance” for businesses that cheat consumers.

Cuomo added that his administhe problem by discussing it with plaints are resolved directly with tration “has zero tolerance for those the customer and the business, the consumers having vehicles repaired, who use unscrupulous business agency said. About half of all com- getting refunds on faulty repairs, or practices to cheat consumers.”

MTA Announces LIRR Fare Reductions during Amtrak Construction at Penn Station

By Forum Staff Responding to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s call for a discount for Long Island Rail Road riders as a result of Amtrak’s summer service cuts at Penn Station, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday announced that the LIRR will offer, on average, a 25-percent fare reduction for all passengers traveling to Hunterspoint Avenue in Long Island City and Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn during Amtrak’s repair

work.

The discounts apply to all passengers traveling to Atlantic Terminal and Hunterspoint Avenue – including those on trains diverted to these stations from Penn Station, according to the MTA. All LIRR riders will be given a free transfer during the morning rush to city subways at Atlantic Terminal and Hunterspoint Avenue which have direct connections to multiple subway lines. The reductions – which are based on the distance passengers are traveling –

will be in effect from July 10 to the completion of Amtrak repair work, the agency indicated.

“Governor Cuomo has asked us to provide greater value to our customers while Amtrak conducts repairs this summer. In response we’re adding to the mitigation measures we’ve already announced by providing a discount that will give customers who travel to key transportation hubs an average discount of 25 percent,” said MTA Interim Director Ronnie Hakim. “We be-

lieve that this move will mitigate the on July 1. inconvenience that our customers The MTA also indicated that it is may experience, and have the added alerting customers to the discount benefit of drawing customers away through a wide range of platforms, from Penn Station while Amtrak including e-mails alerts; twitter performs repair work.” messages; Facebook posts; electronThe discount will apply to ic signs located in outlying stations; monthly, weekly and daily tick- electronic message boards located in ets. Starting Tuesday, June 20, the key terminals, including Penn Stadiscounted monthly tickets will tion, Jamaica Station and Atlantic be available via ticket windows, Terminal; messaging on the Train ticket vending machines, and mail Time app. In addition ticket clerks and ride. Discounted tickets will will alert customers to the discount be available via MTA eTix starting at ticket windows.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 25 JUNE 22, 2017 | 7

STAYING SAFE AT THE GRILL: A primer on propane barbeques The anticipation of firing up the grill is one that has both grill masters and amateurs all revved up with the official kick-off of summer just days ahead.

But with the excitement and enthusiasm of serving up fall off the bone ribs and succulent steaks, comes the responsibility of making sure the grill zone is safe.

Probably the most important advice we can offer you is to keep all kids and pets always from the equipment.

Following are a few tips about gas grills that we hope you’ll put into play at your home whenever using yours. Follow these guidelines and ensure you have a happy, healthy and safe summer, filled with glorious sunshine, craft cocktails and delicious grilled meats, fish, vegetables and whatever else strikes your fancy.

2. Keep the grill in a wellventilated outdoor area, at least ten feet away from the house— and at least three feet away from trees and shrubs.

3. Never cover the bottom of the grill with foil - it can restrict air circulation.

4. Always use and store propane cylinders outdoors in an upright position.

5. After filling or exchanging a cylinder, take it home immediately. While transporting the cylinder, keep your vehicle ventilated and the valve closed or capped. Do not leave the cylinder in your vehicle.

Firing Up The Grill Safely

1. Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks. And never use starter fluid with propane grills.

2. Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder, and keep all flammable materials Ventilation, Ventilation, away from the grill.

Ventilation…

3. If the grill does not ignite within ten seconds, turn off the 1. Always keep the lid open gas, keep the lid open and wait when lighting your grill. Don't five minutes before trying again. close it until you are sure the grill If the igniter fails to light the grill is lit. after two or three tries, turn off

the gas and replace the igniter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Regularly check the tubes that lead into the burner for blockage from insects or food grease.

5. Never attempt to repair, clean or clear blockages on a hot grill.

General Safety Tips 1. Always have one person in charge of the fire at all times.

Never leave a hot grill unattended.

2. Never attempt to repair tank valve or the appliance yourself. See a propane gas dealer or a qualified appliance repairperson. Be sure to locate your model number and the manufacturer’s consumer inquiry phone number and write them on the front page of your manual.

3. If you smell gas and you are able to, safely turn off the cylinder vale, turning it to the right (clockwise). Immediately leave the area and call 911 or your local fire department. Before you use the grill again, have a qualified service technician inspect your cylinder.

WINE BAR AT VETRO P R E S E N T S

LIVE MUSIC

EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT FRIDAY, JUNE 23 FRANK PERSICO, ACOUSTIC GUITARIST 9:00 PM – MIDNIGHT

FRIDAY, JULY 7 KURT BURST, PLAYS TOP 40 & THE CLASSICS 9:00 PM – MIDNIGHT

FRIDAY, JUNE 30 SAL ARMEO,VOCALIST, SINATRA, MOTOWN, ROCK, SOUL AND EVERYTHING BETWEEN 9:00 PM – MIDNIGHT

FRIDAY, JULY 14 JOHNNY SILVERFOX PERFORMS A WIDE RANGE OF CLASSIC AND POPULAR TUNES 9:00 PM – MIDNIGHT

EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT PAOLO ALTIERI, GUITARIST, PLAYING INSTRUMENTAL JAZZ AND POP FAVORITES APPEARING IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM

ON THE VETRO ROOFTOP, THE RETURN OF THE ORIGINAL CLASSIC ROOFTOP PARTY, MUSIC BY DJ NICKY G, LADIES OPEN BAR 8:30 – 9:30 PM ENTERTAINMENT: THURSDAY 7:00 TO 10:00 PM, FRIDAY 9:00 TO MIDNIGHT 20 WINES BY THE GLASS, HAND CRAFTED COCKTAILS AND SMALL BITES

718-843-8387

164-49 CROSS B AY BOULEVARD, HOWARD BEACH, NY 11414 FREE VALET PARKING 8 JUNE 22, 2017 • Number 25 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

VETRONYC.COM

• •

•

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 25 JUNE 22, 2017 | 9

Senate to Address Fire Hazards Associated with Cocklofts in Homes

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office

Addabbo initially introduced the cockloft legislation in the wake of a five-alarm blaze in Middle Village in 2013.

By Michael V. Cusenza Legislation to provide economic incentives for the removal of hazardous cocklofts from residences was recently approved by the State Senate, according to Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), the measure’s sponsor.

“Over the years, there has been growing evidence that cocklofts lead to extremely fast moving and hard-to-control flames that put both residents and firefighters at extreme risk, and we need to address these dangers,” the senator said.

Addabbo initially introduced the legislation in the wake of a five-alarm blaze in Middle Village in 2013, which damaged seven homes, injured 11 firefighters, and may have been exacerbated by the existence of cocklofts in the structures. In March 2015, Addabbo renewed his call for action after a deliberately set four-alarm fire in Woodhaven destroyed eight homes, injured five civilians and killed two dogs. Cit-

ing evidence that the fire spread quickly to adjoining row houses through cocklofts— the space between the rafters and suspended ceiling—Addabbo urged his colleagues in the Legislature to approve a bill that was passed in the Senate in 2014 that would eliminate cocklofts in aging row houses.

“Connected row houses are no longer built with cocklofts, partly due to their ability to allow flames to move quickly from building to building,” Addabbo noted in 2015.

“Now, it’s time to protect our older buildings, historic marks of our neighborhood, by closing off these structures so this does not happen again. The frequency of these kinds of fires needs to be addressed.”

Under the new legislation, residents whose homes contain cocklofts would be able to apply for a 30-percent tax credit to repair them. Refundable credits of up to $500 would aid eligible homeowners in affording the cost of making the improvements, Addabbo noted.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

LYME DISEASE—

Let your pharmacist help Last week, The Forum took an active role in raising awareness and educating the public about the perils of Lyme disease and the new fight by Sen. Charles Schumer to get government support to eradicate the tick-borne illness and amplify currently underfunded and insufficient research.

Statistics show very few people are aware that a tick bite, left unattended or unnoticed, can lead to unimaginable and devastating consequences.

Probably the most effective measure that can be taken against this disease right now, is escalating the use of preventative measures and raising awareness.

Lyme is the most common tickborne illness in the United States and its prevalence is rising at an alarming rate.

Pharmacists are in a unique position to help stop Lyme before it starts.

As frontline healthcare professional, pharmacists can make sure their customers and patients are aware of the potential risk, especially for those who live in or are traveling to an endemic area. They are also instrumental with the selection of insecticides and their proper application.

Pharmacists can guide patients on appropriate attire—e.g. It’s recommended to wear light colored clothes so the spotting of black ticks is easier, also taking care to

tuck in shirts to pants and pants to socks.

Wash and dry clothes at high temperatures The most common symptom develops days to weeks after the initial tick bite and presents itself as a uniform red rash known as erythema migrans, it’s part of Stage 1 known as early-localized Lyme disease When patients consult their pharmacist for acute relief, the pharmacist can correctly identify the symptoms, leading to a swift response by medical professionals and the use of anit-microbial agents to stem the progress of infection deposited by the tick bite.

In more advanced stages of the disease, a complex protocol for the administration of a large number of diverse prescription medications including antibiotics, pain relievers, anti depressants and nutritional supplements, as well as others, is typical.

The pharmacist can play a crucial role in assisting in the patients navigation through this very difficult and complicated scenario.

They can help with dosing and monitoring the effects of pharmaceutical agents in use. Clearly, your pharmacist can have a significant impact in the diagnosis and management of Lyme disease. If you have any questions, ask he/she about it today.

Until next week…

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644 or stop by either of our two convenient locations:

“Clearly, if we can do something to address the serious dangers that cocklofts pose to our residents and emergency personnel, we should do it,” the senator said. “This legislation seeks to lend a hand to homeowners who might otherwise be unable to afford the improvements.

In turn, we will be able to provide safer neighborhoods for all of us, and very possibly save

lives and prevent unspeakable tragedies.”

Having passed the full Senate, S.3065 is now under review by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

“It’s time to take aim at the cocklofts that still exist and should be closed off, before another tragedy strikes,” Addabbo added.

Addabbo Down Syndrome License Plate Bill Approved by State Senate

By Forum Staff

Legislation to increase public awareness of Down Syndrome and fund research projects into the chromosomal disorder was recently approved unanimously by the full State Senate, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), the bill’s sponsor, announced on Friday.

“This bill authorizes the creation of distinctive Down Syndrome Awareness license plates for people in New York who want to spread the word about this condition,” Addabbo said.

“In addition, money raised from the sale of these license plates will be directed to a new Down Syndrome Research Fund.”

Addabbo went on to note that Down Syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. Every year, about 6,000 children are born with Down’s, or about one in every 700 babies. It occurs in people of all races and economic levels.

“Happily, the life expectancy for people with Down Syndrome has increased significantly over the years – from 25 in 1983 to 60 years of age today,” Addabbo said. “This is wonderful news for people born with this condition, along with their loving families. Many people with Down Syndrome are our friends Courtesy of Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee and neighbors, and are people we admire for their contributions An example of a Down Syndrome Awareness license plate.

10 JUNE 22, 2017 • Number 25 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

to our communities and society.”

Addabbo also noted that many individuals born with Down’s have made strides in many different fields of endeavor. For example, Angela Bachiller, a woman with Down Syndrome, is a City Council member in Spain. Madeline Stuart, a professional Australian model, made a splash at New York Fashion Week, and is an inspiration to many with and without disabilities. Laz-D is a rapper in Oregon. American disability rights activist Karen Gaffney not only received an honorary doctorate for her efforts in raising awareness of DownSyndrome, but is well known for swimming the English Channel, Boston Harbor, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco Bay. In addition, people with this condition are well represented and respected in the acting field, appearing on screen and stage.

“I appreciated the support of my Senate colleagues who voted with me to approve my legislation, which has great potential to increase awareness of Down Syndrome, add to scientific research about this condition, and highlight the many contributions that have been made, and are being made, by people born with Down’s,” Addabbo said.

In the Assembly, the bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven), and is under review by the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Senate Passes Bill Making it Easier to Become an Organ Donor loan or student aid applications.”

Peralta noted that LiveOnNY, the premier non-for-profit donor organ organization in New York, noted that more than 10,000 New Yorkers throughout the state are waiting for organ transplants. More than 1,600 New York State residents have been on a waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant for more than five years.

According to the proposal, the student loan and student aid applications will include the question: “Would you like to be added to the Donate Life Registry? Check box for ‘yes,’ or check the box ‘skip question.’”

Currently, New Yorkers who want to become organ donors can only do so by signing up for the Donate Life Registry at the Department of Motor Vehicles, on voter registration forms, and separate stand-alone forms.

By Forum Staff The State Senate recently passed legislation that will include a space on applications for student loans and aid programs for enrollment in the Donate Life Registry.

According to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), the proposed law will increase opportunities for New Yorkers to register as organ donors. New York currently ranks second to last in the nation per capita when it comes to registered organ donors, this legislation aims to change that, Peralta said, “Organ donation saves lives and giving life is the best gift one can give,” the senator added. “Unfortunately, New York is in a state of emergency when it comes to organ donations. Far too many New Yorkers are dying waiting for organs. My bill will increase the number of New Yorkers who become organ donors, simply by offering the option to check the donate life registry box on student

Courtesy of State Department of Health

The New York Donate Life Registry Enrollment form can also be accessed online at health.ny.gov/donatelife.

Rail Freight Company Set to Move Train Repair Facility out of Glendale

By Forum Staff New York & Atlantic Railway will move its noisy train repair facility out of Glendale, Queens; a move that will provide needed noise relief to the area, according to several borough elected officials who made the announcement on Friday.

Under the plan, NYA will re-

locate its “Track 11” repair track – which runs alongside Otto Road from 67th Place to 69th Place – to a non-residential area in East New York, Brooklyn. The track is located in NYA’s Fresh Pond Rail Yard and is presently used to fix rail cars. These repairs – which consist of hammering, drilling, welding, and other loud machinery – include everything from

changing wheels and brake shoes, fixing mechanical problems, and repainting identifying letters and numbers.

According to U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), NYA, which transports rail freight on tracks that run through several borough neighborhoods, plans to complete its repair track move by the end of June.

Heastie Appoints George Russo to NYRA Board

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s Office

George Russo

By Forum Staff Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie this week appointed attorney and South Queens community leader George Russo to the New York Racing Association Board of Directors, according to Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, who recommended Russo for the post.

The NYRA Board oversees thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks: Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

“I can’t imagine a better person to represent our area on the NYRA Board than George Russo,” Pheffer Amato said. “I’ve been privileged to know and work with him in making our community better for everyone. I’m very excited for him to bring his caring, smarts and problemsolving abilities to bear on the many issues impacting the Aqueduct. I’d like to extend my thanks to Speaker Heastie for his vision for true community representation. I know that George will represent our state and our community well.”

George Russo is the brother of Howard Beach restaurateur Frank Russo. He graduated from St. John’s University in 1979, and then went on to obtain his law degree from New York Law School in 1982. Russo served as assistant district attorney for Queens from 1983 to 1985. Since

then, he has been in private practice. From 1983 through 1989, he served on the Community School Board for District 27, including a stint as president. Russo also has served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Queens since 2001, including as president from 2007 to 2014. He helped found and has served as co-president of the Intra-Community Civic Association since 2010.

“This is a true honor,” Russo said. “The Aqueduct is a vital piece of Queens’ economy, just as Belmont is for Long Island and Saratoga Springs is for the Capital District. It’s not a simple operation, but it’s a community institution and it’s one for which we need real caring and oversight.

There are many things to gain from a strong partnership between NYRA and our communities, and I’m proud to be one of 17 directors tasked with making that happen. I’d like to thank Stacey, Speaker Heastie and the Assembly for their confidence, and I’m excited to get started.”

The new location will be in an area that abuts the L train, NYA’s East New York Tunnel and the existing NYA rail yard.

Meng called NYA’s planned move “good news for Glendale residents who have long been plagued by noise caused by these rail car repairs. I thank NYA for making this decision.

I look forward to building on this

positive development, and working further with company officials to address other train-related issues that impact the community.”

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) added that he’s “hopeful we can continue this working relationship to address the additional concerns of the community.”

Ozone Howard Bulldogs Win Fathers Day Tourney

Congratulations to the Ozone Howard Bulldogs – champions of the Lady Diamond Pros Fathers Day Tournament 12U Division. The team went undefeated (4-0), playing 12 hours of softball on Sunday in the grueling heat. Great job girls!

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 25 JUNE 22, 2017 | 11

EDITORIAL

SUPPORT THOSE WHO HAVE SACRIFICED SO MUCH FOR US Semper Fi. Got your 6. Semper Fortis.

Just some of the official and unofficial mottos associated with the United States Armed Forces.

As far as this newspaper is concerned, civilians in the homeland should also take words like “Always Faithful” and “Always Courageous” to heart, especially when searching for something to do for those soldiers who have returned from the front lines looking and feeling different than when they were first deployed.

One way to reach out is to support the Department of Defense Warrior Games, which will be held this year in Chicago from June 30 through July 8. Approximately 265 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans representing teams from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and U.S. Special Operations Command, as well as the United Kingdom Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force will participate in the competition.

Teams include active-duty service members and veterans with upper-body, lower-body, and spinal cord injuries; traumatic brain

injuries; visual impairment; serious illnesses; and post-traumatic stress. They will go head-to-head in archery, cycling, sitting volleyball, shooting, swimming, wheelchair basketball, track and field, engaging in friendly competition and experiencing the healing power of sports.

According to the DoD, the Warrior Games were established in 2010 as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of

wounded warriors and to expose them to adaptive sports.

Sponsored by the U.S. Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, Colo., the inaugural Warrior Games hosted approximately 200 wounded, ill and injured service members. During the following years, the Warrior Games expanded in size and scope.

Comedian and “Daily Show” alum Jon Stewart will open be this year’s games.

LEGALLY SPEAKING

“Last year the Warrior Games were so impactful that I couldn’t wait to participate again as the master of ceremonies for the 2017 Games,” Stewart said. “This is a can’t-miss event for Chicago; join me in celebrating our nation’s service members.”

Recording artist Kelly Clarkson, who will be performing in Chicago, helped put the games – AND THE SACRIFICES OF THE PARTICIPANTS – into

perspective.

“These men and women have put their lives on the line for us and have overcome so much in the process of doing that!” she said. “It will be a tremendous honor to perform for them and their families who have sacrificed so much!”

U.S. Navy Captain Brent Breining, director of the 2017 Games, added, “Warrior Games showcase the resilience and triumph of these athletes after overcoming significant injuries and illnesses.”

Never forget those who have made ANY sacrifice for his or her country.

A Soldier’s Prayer “Dear Lord, I’m just a soldier A protector of our land, A servant called to battle When my country takes a stand, I pray for strength and courage And a heart that will forgive, For peace and understanding In a world for all to live, My family’s prayers are with me, No matter where I roam, Please listen when I’m lonely And return me safely home.”

Catherine M. Stanton is a senior partner in the law firm of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP. She focuses on the area of Workers’ Compensation, having helped thousands of injured workers navigate a highly complex system and obtain all the benefits to which they were entitled. Ms. Stanton has been honored as a New York Super Lawyer, is the past president of the New York Workers’ Compensation Bar Association, the immediate past president of the Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy Group, and is an officer in several organizations dedicated to injured workers and their families. She can be reached at 800.692.3717.

As an attorney who has been practic- what to do when an active shooter enters ing before the New York State Workers’ the workplace. Many of the cases that Compensation Board representing in- make front page news are mass shootings jured workers for more than 27 years, I am or those in the name of terrorism. Few of drawn to organizations that assist work- us can forget the Islamic extremist, who ers. That’s why I am a member of the New along with his wife fatally shot 14 of his York Committee for Occupational Safety co-workers at a Christmas party. Many of & Health (NYCOSH), whose mission us go about our workday never anticipatnotes that every worker has the human ing a disgruntled employee, a client harright to a safe and healthy workplace and boring a grudge, a terrorist, or a coworker that workplaces injuries are often prevent- intent on robbery, who may come to our able. As a member, I receive many emails workplaces with murder on their minds. with various announcements regarding When NYCOSH set out to sponsor their workplace safety, as well as statistics of recent event trying to deal with a growinjuries and deaths that occur on the job, ing problem in this country, there was no many of which are preventable. way of knowing that workplace shootings It is a sign of the times that on May 23, would be in the national headlines three 2017, I received an email about educating times in just two weeks. workers on how to best respond in case of Last week we were shocked and apan active shooter. NYCOSH, along with palled by the images of Republican Senathe New York City Central Labor Coun- tors and their colleagues being shot at by cil (NYCCLC), was sponsoring the event a deranged person not happy with current that was meant to educate participants politics. While many of our elected ofon what actions to take to prevent and ficials have heavy security when they are prepare for potential incidents, including at work in the Capital’s office buildings, 12 JUNE 22, 2017 • Number 25 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

these members were on a ballfield early in the morning practicing for a charity baseball game taking place the next day.

Despite the close proximity of the Capitol Police there to protect Steve Scalise, the current United States House of Representatives Majority Whip, five people were shot. Thankfully the sole fatality was the shooter himself.

In Orlando in early June, a disgruntled ex-employee systematically shot and killed five coworkers and then himself. A week later, a UPS employee in San Francisco walked into a UPS facility and killed three coworkers before killing himself.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, in 2015 there were 354 homicides by shooting at the workplace. There were 307 in 2014, 322 in 2013, 381 in 2012, and 365 in 2011. Based on these statistics, it is clear that this is not an issue going away anytime soon. These are scary times and we all need to prepare for this new normal.

While I was not able to attend the NY-

COSH event, I did go to the website for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which offered these suggestions for responding when an active shooter is in your area. Evacuate if you can. Run as fast as you can and leave everything behind.

Just get out if possible. If there is no accessible escape route, then hide somewhere and lock and blockade the door and silence any noise such as a radio or cell phone. Lastly, if your life is in imminent danger, take action and try to incapacitate the shooter. Throw things. Use anything as a weapon. Don’t go down without a fight.

It’s unfortunate that we even have to talk about protecting ourselves from active shooters. But in today’s day and age, we can never be too careful. As a mother, I worry for the safety of my children when they walk out the door as I’m sure many of you do as well. As a lawyer, I worry about the safety of workers every day on the job who are continually dealing with workplace injuries that could have been prevented.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE (VILLAGE)

Help Wanted OFFICE HELP: FEMALE AND MALE ALIKE. TO ANSWER PHONES, FILING, DATA ENTRY, ETC. WILL TRAIN. $36,000.00 PAY PLUS MEDICAL AND DENTAL 100% PAID, 401 K, 2 WEEKS PAID VACATION, HOLIDAY PAY. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. COME WORK FOR NEW YORK'S LARGEST PORTABLE SANITATION COMPANY. APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY- FRIDAY BET: 2:00PM AND 7:00PM. AT 4 CROSSBAY BLVD, BROAD CHANNEL QUEENS 11693 AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here ñGet trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students.

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

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 (855) 376-9474

OFFICE HELP: FEMALE AND MALE ALIKE. TO ANSWER PHONES, FILING, DATA ENTRY, ETC. WILL TRAIN. $550.00 PER WEEK PLUS MEDICAL AND DENTAL 100% PAID, 401 K, 2 WEEKS PAID VACATION, HOLIDAY PAY. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. COME WORK FOR NEW YORK'S LARGEST PORTABLE SANITATION COMPANY. APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY- FRIDAY BET: 9:00AM AND 7:00PM. AT 304 CROSSBAY BLVD, BROAD CHANNEL QUEENS

Det col., 8rms, 4 bedrm, 3.5 bths, new kit, firepl, in ground pool, 2 car gar, full bsmt, 60x 120 Call Now!

HOWARD BEACH

HOWARD BEACH

Waterfront 2 Fam, 12 rms, 5 bedrms, 5 bths, 4 terraces, all redone . Call Now !

!

H B/ RKWD PK, Just Listed ,1 Fam det Hi Ranch, 8 huge rms, 3/4 bedrms, formal dining rm, 45x100, Gar ,pvt drive, new central air & heat , Call Now!

1 Fam det , Col, 10 rms, 5 bedrms, 3 bths , Pvt drive, 48 x100 lot Call Now !

HOWARD BEACH

3.5 rm hi rise co-op, 1 bedrm , Just Listed Must see CALL NOW!

FINANCIAL SERVICES Fix & Flips, SFH 1- 4 Units, Hard/ Bridge loans, Stated income- NO Doc Loans, Up to 90% Cost, 100% Rehab, Purchase- Refinance, Multi-Unit, Mixed-Use, Commercial; 888-565-9477

LAND

HUDSON VALLEY LAND LIQUIDATION! June 24th & 25thñ Greene ATTNY./LEGAL County 16 Tractsñ 3 to 50 acres from REAL ESTATE Attorney. Buy/Sell/ $39,900 18 Miles from Albanyñ 2 Hrs Mortgage Problems. Attorney & Real Es- GW Bridge! Terms avail! Call 888-479tate Bkr, PROBATE/CRIMINAL/BUSI- 3394 NewYorkLandandLakes.com NESS- Richard H. Lovell, P.C., 10748 Cross Bay, Ozone Park, NY 11417 718 835-9300 LovellLawnewyork@gmail. com

ARTIE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/17/17. 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 the LLC, 59-30 56th Road, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Wheels For Wishes Benefiting

SILDENAFILñ Active Chemical in VIAGRA 20mg, 30 Tablets for $35. By Greenstone, a Pfizer Company. Rye Beach Pharmacy- Rye, NY. 914-967-0856, Ext 5ñ Can FedEx. RyeRx.com; info@ryerx. com

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.

Now is the perfect time to buy your first home.

OZONE PARK

Small store for rent, 390 sq ft, Vic Linden Blvd off Cross Bay,full bsmt, great location and visibility Call Now !

HAMILTON BEACH

Waterfront with dock space det 1 fam,5 rms, 2 bedrms, 1.5 bths, 40x164 lot, stainless appliances

LEGAL NOTICEs

DONATE YOUR CAR

HEALTH

HOWARD BEACH

Co-Op Hi Rise, 5rms 2 bedrms, Formal dining rm, 2 new bths, track lights, Call! Now !

JX2 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/08/17. 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 the LLC, 61-32 229th Street, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SKYWEN 11 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/30/17. 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 the LLC, 8337 St James Ave, Apt 1G, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NYC COMMUNITY HOLDINGS, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/26/2016. Office loc: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Double A Property Locating Services, Inc., 118-35 Queens Blvd, Ste 400, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SPECIAL FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS*

Buying a home may seem overwhelming— especially for a first-time homebuyer. That’s why we offer special first-time buyer advantages like: • Low Down Payments • Zero Point Option • Reasonable Qualifying Guidelines • SONYMA Loans • Fixed and Adjustable Rate Loans available on 1-4 Family Homes, Condos and Co-ops

SPECIAL FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS*

We’re here to help you every step of the way, from providing expert pre-qualification and personal mortgage advice, to finding the program that is truly best for you.

Call today.

Antonio Ciccullo (NMLS #: 4145) 516-535-8344 ACiccullo@astoriabank.com astoriabank.com / 1-800-537-4888

MEMBER FDIC

* First-time homebuyers only. Income limits and location restrictions may apply. NMLS #411768

FARMING OUR SPORTMEN WILL PAY TOP $$$ TO HUNT YOUR LAND. CALL FOR A FREE BASE CAMP LEASING INFO PACKET & QUOTE. 1-866-3091507 WWW.BASECAMPLEASING. COM

Vacation Rental OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 25 JUNE 22, 2017 | 13

Legal Notices

Notice of Qualification of Packard Hospitality Management, LLC. Appl. for Auth. filed with NY Dept. of State on 1/31/17. Office location: Queens County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to Michael Saul Goldstein, 9555 Chesapeake Dr, Ste 202, San Diego, CA 92123. CA addr. of LLC 9555 Chesapeake Dr, Ste 202, San Diego, CA 92123. Cert. of Form. filed with CA Sec. of State, PO Box 944228, Sacramento, CA 94224-2280 on 10/15/12. Purpose: any lawful activity.

6/22

ETA DEVELOPMENT LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/21/16.

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 the LLC, 63 Cook Road, Preston Hollow, NY 12469. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

7/6 Notice of formation of JJN SHIMON LLC. Art. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/03/2017. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY designated as service for process. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 75-35 167th Street, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

KEMZURI MANAGEMENT LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/28/17.

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 the AYESHA BILAL. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ACE DEVELOPMENT LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/24/17. 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 the LLC, 202-16 45th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices Notice of Formation of 170 DOUGLAS AVENUE, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/23/17. 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 Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 145-05 JAMAICA AVENUE, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/23/17. 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 Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of KENLI LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 3/25/2015. Office located in QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC at 4304 Bell Blvd Bayside NY 11361. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation: Waterside Holding LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary

of State of New York (SSNY) on April/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process.SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to 150-16 Waterside Court, Whitestone NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity Notice of formation of MOTT NYC LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 3/30/2015. 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: RAFAL SWAIDER 1906 STANHOPE STREET, RIDGEWOOD, NEW YORK 11385. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of BETES 2427 29th STREET LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/03/17.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY desSINAM LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with ignated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail pro- the SSNY on 04/24/17. Office: Queens cess to: 24 40 29th St., Long Island City, NY County. SSNY designated as agent of the 11102. Purpose: any lawful activities.

LLC upon whom process against it may Notice of Qualification of C2U HOMES, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with NY Dept. of State on 5/01/17. Office location: Queens County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to THE LLC, 17214 133RD AVENUE, APT. 7G, JAMAICA, NY 11434. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of SPITI ENA, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/04/2017. 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: the LLC, 2 Bay Club Dr. Apt 18P, Bayside, NY 11360. Purpose: Any lawful activity or purpose.

FOREVER MANOR LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/18/17.

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 the LLC, 135-11 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 23-21 BQE West, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of QSCA LLC. Art. Of Org. filed w. Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/2/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: QSCA LLC, 136-20 38th Avenue, Suite 5I, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of G.E.P. CUSTOM COLLECTIBLES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/21/2017.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11228. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

14 JUNE 22, 2017 • Number 25 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS –THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES, INC. ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2003-1, Plaintiff, against DOREEN WHITE, DENNY ATKINSON; RIONANDO MANSFIELD SAMUELS; ‘ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE HILDA ATKINSON IF THEY BE LIVING OR, IF THEY BE DEAD, THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFF’; DISCOVER BANK; FULTON JAMAICA CORP.; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING THROUGH THE IRS; TANYA ANDERSON; HERMAN BROWN; DANIEL BOSTICK; CATRINA BROWN, Defendants-Index no. 34977/2009. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 115-25 174TH Street, Jamaica, NY 11434. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or a notice of appearance on the attorneys for the Plaintiff within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may appear within (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $50,000.00 and interest, recording in the Queens County Office of the City Register on December 14, 1994, in Book 4034 of Mortgages, page 2109 covering premises known as 115-25 174th Street, Jamaica, NY 11434. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial.

Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WHO FILED THIS FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAYMENT TO THE MORTGAGE COMPANY WILL NOT STOP THE FORECLOSURE ACTION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully.

Summons and Complaint You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the summons and complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the summons and complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney or your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

Sources of Information and Assistance The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process.

To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at (800) 3423736 or visit the Department’s website at http:// www.dfs.ny.gov.

Rights and Obligations YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law.

Foreclosure Rescue Scams Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home.

There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed.

State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. We are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Thomas Raffaele, J.S.C. dated May 5, 2017 and filed on May 15, 2017. Dated: May 25, 2017 ADAM LEITMAN BAILEY, P.C., Counsel for Plaintiff, By: Adam M. Swanson, Esq., One Battery Park Plaza, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004 (212) 825-0365 x 1970

Notice of Formation 138-11 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/07/17. 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 the LLC, 64-30 211th Street, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of 69-20 30th AVENUE, LLC, Art. Of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 02/01/2017. Office in QUEENSCo. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to 6920 30TH AVENUE, WOODSIDE, NY 11377 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 25 JUNE 22, 2017 | 15

We gladly accept phone orders!

718-835-4900

Fri. June

Sale Dates

Sat. June

Sun. June

Mon. June

Tues June

23 24 25 26 27

Wed June

Thurs.

June

28 29

BOAR’S HEAD HONEY HAM

5

$ 99 LB

Sliced to order

144 Fl oz. pkg 12 oz bottles

CORONA 12 Pack

Fresh, Delicious

BROCCOLI RABE

1

$ 99

per lb.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR FORUM READERS ONLY!

extra virgin 68 oz.

CAPATRITI OLIVE OIL

9

$ 99 With Club Card. Limit one offer ASSORTED FLAVORS

BREYER’S ICE CREAM 1.5 QT. CONTAINER

$5.00 OFF 14

$

99

WITH A $75.00 PURCHASE

Plus tax and deposit

2

$ 99

each

GREAT FOR GRILLING USDA CHOICE

405.6 Fl Oz Pkg Half Liter Btls

SIRLOIN STEAKS BONELESS

POLAND SPRING WATER

4

$ 99 per lb.

Family pack 3 lbs or more

GOOD ONLY FROM 6/23-6/29 ONE OFFER PER HOUSEHOLD NO OFFERS HONORED WITHOUT PRESENTING THIS COUPON COUPON EXPIRES 6/29/2017 ACTUAL PRODUCT MAY NOT APPEAR AS SEEN IN INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS.

16 JUNE 22, 2017 • Number 25 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

3

$ 99 24 Pack

Plus tax & deposit