THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | OCTOBER 19, 2017

VOL. 16 • NUMBER 42 • OCTOBER 19, 2017

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

South & West

CAR WARS

NYPD South Queens Auto Larceny Investigation Unit, DA’s Office among Agencies Set to Receive $3.7M in State Grants to Combat Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud

See Story on Page 4 Photo Courtesy of AAA

Page 2

3-K for All Coming to Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Broad Channel, Rockaways

Page 7

Jamaica Man Gets 15 Years for String of South Richmond Hill Armed Robberies

Page 11

Mayor Signs Legislation Promoting Construction Site Safety

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 42 OCTOBER 19 2017 | 1

3-K for All Coming to Community School District 27 in 2018-2019

By Michael V. Cusenza

The City’s 3-K for All initiative will expand to six more community school districts across all five boroughs over the next three years, including to District 27, which is comprised of Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Broad Channel, and the Rockaways, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña announced on Thursday at PS 316 in Ozone Park.

“The whole idea was to help reach our kids at the moment when they were able to grow intellectually the most and give them that strong foundation, but also lift a burden on parents,” de Blasio said. “Parents are struggling in this city. I always say, this is a tough city to be a parent in. It really is. There’s so much going on. People work so hard, they work such long hours. And for parents in this town, they needed a break, and to get preK for free and now 3-K is going to be a game changer for so many families.”

According to the administration, starting in the 2018-2019 school year, the City will expand the program that offers free, full-day early childhood education for every NYC 3-year-old to two additional school districts each year. These districts include: • 2018-19: District 4 (East Harlem) and District 27 (Broad Channel, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Rockaways).

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Fariña made the expansion announcement at PS 316 in Ozone Park.

• 2019-20: District 9 (Grand Concourse, Highbridge, Morrisania) and District 31 (Staten Island).

• 2020-21: District 19 (East New York) and District 29 (Cambria Heights, Hollis, Laurelton, Queens Village, Springfield Gardens, St. Albans).

“Early education is essential to the success of our students and City, and today we’re taking another big step forward,” Fariña said. “Together with our other in-

vestments in early education – including Pre-K for All, Universal Literacy, and Algebra for All – this expansion is going to have a major impact for students and families across all five boroughs, and the future of their communities.”

According to de Blasio and Fariña, there is extensive research supporting the “transformative value” of free, full-day 3-K for All, including the following: • Several studies have found that stu-

dents who attend two years of preschool compared to one are better prepared for kindergarten, and that they perform significantly higher on academic and social outcome measures.

• A study of the two-year Abbott Preschool Program in New Jersey found persistent gains in language arts and literacy, mathematics, and science through 4th and 5th grade, with larger test score gains for children who participated in two years of preschool. In addition, Abbott Preschool Program participation was linked to lower grade retention rates and fewer children needing special education.

• A study of Head Start found that families of children who attended for two years were more likely to engage in recreational activities together that supported child development, and were likely to spend more hours reading together at home.

• A Chicago study found that children who attended two years of public preschool were significantly less likely to receive special education services, to be abused or neglected, or to commit crimes in adulthood.

“Bringing children together at an early age will give them additional support in developing their social and communication skills,” said Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven). “3-K for All will help put more kids on the path to a brighter future and invest in the future of our state.”

QUEENS EXPRESS LUBE CENTER

Full Line of

Products

We offer a full line of services by factory trained technicians: Full service oil changes Free car wash included Complete brake services Tune-ups Preventative maintenance Batteries HID & LED Headlight Conversions

We'll get you back on the road and keep you there safely!

10% off for all UBER. LYFT & TLC CUSTOMERS

82-02 ROCKAWAY BLVD. OZONE PARK, NY 11416 718-521-0098

2 OCTOBER 19, 2017 • Number 42 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

By Michael V. Cusenza Three south Queens elected officials have voiced their disapproval of organizing a Constitutional Convention in New York.

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) was the latest to oppose the proposal, indicating in a statement released on Tuesday that, though he initially supported a convention in the Empire State, after hearing from many residents of Council District 32, he “cannot, in good conscience, go against the views of my constituents on such an important matter. I have always supported collective bargaining rights and have fought very hard to protect public pensions under two administrations (Bloomberg and de Blasio).

I won’t allow the ConCon question to tarnish that record.”

According to the State Board

Area Elected Officials Oppose Constitutional Convention

of Elections, the State Constitution requires that every 20 years the people decide if a Constitutional Convention should be held to consider amendments to the document. The purpose of the ballot question – “Shall there be a convention to revise the Constitution and amend the same?” – is to allow state voters to determine whether a Constitutional Convention will be held according to the procedure provided by the State Constitution.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) has said that he will vote No in response to the ConCon ballot question. And last week, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) also gave it the thumbs-down.

“The working men and women of New York State, represented by labor unions and activists, have

File Photo

A question on this year’s ballot will allow NY voters to determine whether a Constitutional Convention will be held according to the procedure provided by the State Constitution.

been crystal-clear: a Constitutional Convention would leave crucial worker protections vulnerable. The NYS Constitution, while not a perfect document by any

means, gives collective bargaining and other labor rights a permanent seat at the table, which is not something any of us can afford to lose,” she said. “There are major re-

forms that can – and should – be achieved in New York State legislatively. I’m proud to champion ethics and transparency in Albany as part of the Assembly Majority.

But I am, and will remain, opposed to a Constitutional Convention in New York State.”

Ulrich said that he will vote No on Nov. 7, but remains convinced that New York “desperately needs campaign finance and ethics reform along with many other badly needed changes to the way government should function.

“I will still fight the good fight with my friends and foes in Albany to enact the reforms that I truly believe in and I only hope that those who agree with me will help me fight this uphill battle,” he addedd. “Take it from me, the system is broken. There has to be a better way to fix it.”

NYPD Touts Borough Ulrich Teams with Borough BoWarrant Squad tanical Garden for Tudor Village August Arrests Beautification Project in South Queens

Photo Courtesy of Queens Botanical Garden/Anne Tan-Detchkov

Nearly 740 plants have been placed on medians along 133rd Avenue between 82nd Street and 85th Street.

By Forum Staff

The unit recovered these weapons in South Ozone Park.

By Forum Staff The City Police Department on Monday heralded the summer work of the elite Queens Warrant Squad, recalling how the unit successfully arrested two violent felons and recovered three illegal firearms in one week in August.

On Aug. 23, according to police reports, the squad pursued a suspect wanted for menacing with a firearm in South Ozone Park. When the team entered the location at 131st Street, the offi-

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

cers were able to arrest the suspect without incident, cops said.

Their subsequent search resulted in the recovery of a 9mm glock and a .40 caliber JCP High Point model.

And on Aug. 30, the unit pursued an active felony parole warrant within the confines of the 101st Precinct. When the officers arrived at the suspect’s known location, they entered and successfully apprehended him. During his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a .357 magnum firearm.

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) on Monday announced a $60,000 beautification project in Ozone Park’s Tudor Village.

Through the initiative, which was funded by Ulrich, Queens Botanical Garden staff placed nearly 740 plants along 133rd Avenue between 82nd Street and 85th Street. The project is expected to be completed by the end of October.

“I am thrilled to announce that my office has partnered with Queens Botanical Garden to beautify Tudor Village. For decades, the residents of 133rd Avenue have been putting their personal gardening touches along the stretch, but the upkeep has been a massive burden,” Ulrich said. “The funds I’ve allocated for this project will not only beautify

the medians along 133rd Avenue, • Foamy Bell, Heucherella “butthey will also cover maintenance tered rum” costs.”

The species planted are drought The species planted along the and salt tolerant; provide four seaOzone Park thoroughfare include: sons of interest or stay evergreen; • Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina do- and stay within the boundaries of the mestica “firepower”​ median. A permeable weed block has • Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina do- also been installed for weed control, mestica “gulfstream” as well as a final topping of recycled • Japanese Holly, Illex crena- rubber mulch, which will complete ta “Sky Pencil” the design.

• Japanese laurel, Aucuba japoni“One of the most important asca “goldstrike” pects of this project for me is the • Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvi- people and community input,” said tae, Thujaoccidentalis “Bobozam” Patty Kleinberg, garden educator • Coral Bell, Heuchera “forever for the Queens Botanical Garden. purple”​​ “We’re lucky to have a dedicated • Coral Bell, Heuchera “plum councilman and civic association pudding” that communicate effectively. I need• Coral Bell, Heuchera “dale’s ed to know what was important to strain” the people in the new design and • Coral Bell, Heuchera “citro- also respect the history of what was nella” already out there.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 42 OCTOBER 19 2017 | 3

State Grants to Help Borough Agencies Combat Car Theft

GREAT CD RATES!

12- Month CD 24-Month CD File Photo

The NYPD South Queens Auto Larceny Investigation Unit and DA’s Office are among the 24 agencies set to receive $3.7M in state Grants to combat motor vehicle theft and insurance fraud.

By Michael V. Cusenza More than $3.7 million in State grants to help further reduce motor vehicle theft and insurance fraud in 12 counties across New York have been awarded to 24 law enforcement agencies, including the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the City Police Department’s Patrol Borough Queens South Auto Larceny Fraud Investigation Unit, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday.

District Attorney Richard Brown’s Office once again has received the largest slice of the pie: $560,624. Brown, now in his 26th year as the borough’s top prosecutor, thanked Cuomo and the State Division of Criminal Justice Services for their support.

“The State funding that we are receiving will significantly enhance our efforts to go after those who would steal vehicles and auto parts from hard-working Queens residents and those who would scheme to defraud insurance companies, both of which drive up the cost of insurance for all motorists,” he said.

The NYPD has been awarded a total of $323,873 in grant funds, which will be doled out to three specialized units: the aforementioned PBQS Auto Larceny Fraud Investigation Unit, the Auto Crime Division, and the Fraudulent Collision Investigation Unit.

According to the latest available CompStat figures, motor vehicle theft is down by more than 18 percent in south Queens. There have been 571 grand larceny auto complaints filed so far this year, compared to 700 year-to-date in 2016.

Brown noted that the DA’s Office has received funding from DCJS’s Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention programs since the inception of his Auto Crime and Insurance Fraud Unit in 1998. That squad is part of Brown’s Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau, which, he said, specifically focuses on the investigation and prosecution of auto theft and insurance fraud-related cases by incorporating a multi-pronged approach: the unit makes use of specialized prosecutors and investigators; long-term investigations and

36- Month CD

1.75% 1.90% 2.30%

APY*

APY*

APY*

112-17/19 Liberty Ave, South Richmond Hill, New York 718-659-9000 *CD & Money Market Account offers require a qualifying consumer or business checking account and a minimum deposit of $5,000. No Brokered Deposits will be accepted. Penalty for early withdrawal. The annual Percentage Yield (APY) shown is effective as of 09/15/2017 and is available at HAB ‘s Richmond Hill branch only. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Other terms and conditions apply. Available For Consumers and Small Business Customers HAB BANK is a Service Mark of Habib American Bank

www.habbank.com

sting operations; the development and use of confidential informants; sophisticated technology and surveillance equipment; detailed analysis of crime statistics and patterns; and strong partnerships with police and other law enforcement agencies as well as the insurance industry.

The unit and its approach have been quite effective.

“In Queens County auto theft has long been a benchmark in measuring my office’s

effectiveness in combating crime,” Brown added. “I have devoted significant resources to ferreting out criminal organizations that profit from the illicit trafficking of stolen autos, auto parts and insurance fraud – and with great success. Since becoming district attorney in 1991, the rate of auto thefts in Queens has been dramatically cut by 96 percent – from a high of approximately 52,000 vehicles being stolen annually to less than 2,000 a year.”

Thieves have Struck Three Apartments in Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill: Cops

By Michael V. Cusenza Investigators with the 102nd Precinct Detective Squad on Thursday reached out to the public for help in tracking down two suspects allegedly responsible for a rash of recent residential burglaries in Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill.

According to police reports, on Saturday, Sept. 30, around 11:30 a.m., the two men “used an unknown object” to gain entry to an apartment of a building in the vicinity of Kew Gardens Road and 82nd Avenue in Kew Gardens.

Once inside the residence, the suspects removed $2,000 in cash and $7,205 worth of jewelry, luxury clothing items, and electronic devices. The men then fled the location to parts unknown, cops said.

The second and third burglaries occurred on Oct. 2. On that Monday morning, around 8 a.m., the suspects once again used an unknown object to enter an apartment in a residential building located near 136th Street and Kew Gardens Road in Richmond Hill. Once inside, the men stole approximately $25,000 in jewelry and $1,400 in elec4 OCTOBER 19, 2017 • Number 42 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

tronics. They then fled the building to parts unknown.

And roughly 15 hours, at approximately 11 p.m., the suspects broke into an apartment in the vicinity of Brevoort Street and Metropolitan Avenue in Kew Gardens. The men made off with $300 and various forms of identification before fleeing to parts unknown.

Suspect 1 is described as a man with a medium complexion, approximately 25-30 years of age, last seen wearing a gray shirt, and black-and-white baseball cap.

Suspect 2 is described as a man with a medium complexion, last seen wearing a red baseball cap, dark-colored jeans and a gray sweatshirt.

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.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

This is one of two suspects that 102nd Precinct detectives are looking to question in connection with three recent borough burglaries.

Mayor Announces NYC Service Center to Support Hurricane Victims

By Forum Staff A service center will open in Manhattan this week to support displaced individuals and families from Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands following recent hurricanes, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday.

The facility is set to open on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Julia De Burgos Latino Cultural Center located at 1680 Lexington Avenue and will offer in-person support and access to services to individuals affected by hurricanes Maria, Irma, and Harvey, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The City is urging people planning to visit the service centers to make an appointment.

According to the administration, services provided at the center include but are not limited to: Department of Social Services will assist with enrollment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, cash assistance, and public health in-

The service center will be located at the Julia De Burgos Latino Cultural Center in Manhattan.

surance, and help connect people with emergency food assistance.

English and Spanish speakers will be available to assist with enrollment.

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will provide mental health counseling, health insurance support, emergency

pharmacy assistance and will refer individuals to medical care in collaboration with NYC Health + Hospitals. They will also provide information on immunization assistance targeted toward school enrollment.

Department for the Aging will provide meals to seniors, assist in

Photo Courtesy of Google

case management, and assist with senior employment.

Department of Education will provide information and assistance for displaced students.

Human Resource Administration’s Office of Civil Justice will convene several legal providers to provide legal consultation to indi-

viduals in need.

American Red Cross of Greater New York will assist in disaster relief management — including referrals, distribution of emergency supplies, and applying for assistance — and mental health counseling.

Animal Care and Control and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will provide veterinary care and pet supplies.

The New York Disaster Interfaith Services will provide spiritual care to those in need.

“As we’ve unfortunately learned all too well here in New York, few things are more critical during and after a crisis than clear information and cross-agency coordination,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.

“Cross-agency service centers offering one stop shopping and ability to cut through red tape may not seem like much against the backdrop of the terrible tragedy unfolding in Puerto Rico and the other areas affected by recent hurricanes, but they can make a huge difference in the lives of the affected families.”

Schumer Calls on FDA to Regulate ‘Dangerous’ E-Cigarettes

By Forum Staff Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer on Sunday urged the Food and Drug Administration to reverse a recent decision to delay the regulation of e-cigarettes popular among teens, like new-age products dubbed “Juul.”

Schumer noted that he is referencing how in May 2017, the FDA delayed regulatory compliance deadlines for tobacco and e-cigarette products, which were on track because of a 2016 rule. New York’s senior senator said that this delay, coupled with new information from the State Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Advisory Board showing that 1 in 5 New York high schoolers are using e-cigarettes, have prompted him to send a letter to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “I strongly suggest the FDA reconsider the delay regulations that aim to protect our children from harmful products which appeal to their demographic,” Schumer wrote.

According to Schumer, Juul is a new type of e-cig that comes in a variety of flavors and can be easily concealed by kids in the classroom because it looks identical to a USB flash drive; it can even be charged in school or at home on a laptop. Schumer said that Juul may be even more danger-

File Photo

According to Sen. Schumer, the FDA needs to “smoke out dangerous e-cigs and their mystery chemicals before more New York kids get hooked.”

ous than conventional smoking because one “pod” promises the amount of nicotine equal to an entire pack of cigarettes.

“To know that New York kids are much more likely to be using these new-age ecig devices, like Juul, is not only concerning, but it could be dangerous,” the senator added on Sunday. “Up until now, the FDA was on track to reign in e-cigs and regulate them like any other tobacco product, but

this recent delay, coupled with the new numbers showing a rise in the use of gadgets like Juul, which can fool teachers and be brought to school, demands the FDA smoke out dangerous e-cigs and their mystery chemicals before more New York kids get hooked.”

Schumer also cited a 2016 study published in Environmental Science and Technology that found that e-cigarettes contain

two new types of carcinogens: propylene oxide and glycidol. The study also suggests that the age of the e-cigarette device and temperature play a role in the amount of chemicals produced. For instance, the analysis tested three types of e-liquids in two different vaporizers. The devices with one heating coil instead of two released higher chemical levels; and the higher the temperature inside the coil, the higher the amount of chemicals produced.

Cigarettes are currently subject to FDA’s tobacco control authority; however, e-cigarettes are not yet regulated by the FDA. According to Schumer, in July, the FDA announced it would delay enforcement of a finalized rule that would allow the agency to exercise its authority to regulate e-cigarettes under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. Once implemented, the rule would have included an age restriction of 18, and prohibits vending machines sales and free samples. In addition, the rule requires manufacturers to list product ingredients, tobacco products containing nicotine to carry an addicting warning label and new or changed tobacco products be approved by the FDA before going to market. Schumer said that the FDA’s delay means that flavored e-cigarettes can remain on the market until at least 2022.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 42 OCTOBER 19 2017 | 5

Chelsea Bomber Found Guilty of All Charges

By Michael V. Cusenza Following a two-week trial, a Manhattan jury on Monday morning returned a guilty verdict against Ahmad Khan Rahami, the so-called Chelsea Bomber, in federal court on all eight counts of the indictment, which charged him with offenses related to his execution and attempted execution of bombings in NYC on Sept. 17, 2016.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, on that Saturday, Rahimi transported two improvised explosive devices from his home-base of New Jersey to Manhattan.

He placed one of the devices in the vicinity of 135 West 23rd Street in Chelsea and the other a few blocks away on West 27th Street.

According to the evidence, at approximately 8:30 p.m., the 23rd Street IED – containing a high explosive main charge – detonated, causing injuries to over 30 people and multimillion-dollar property damage across a 650-foot crime scene.

The injuries included, among other things, lacerations to the face, abdomen, legs, and arms caused by flying glass; metal shrapnel and fragmentation embedded in skin and bone; and various head injuries. The explosive components appear to have been placed inside a pressure cooker and left near a dumpster. The explosion propelled a more-than-one-hundred-pound dumpster more than 120 feet. The blast shattered windows as far as approximately 400 feet from the blast site and, vertically, more

More than 30 people were injured as a result of the detonation of a bomb that Rahimi hid inside a small dumpster on West 23rd Street.

than three stories high.

According to prosecutors, shortly after the 23rd Street bomb detonated, the 27th Street IED was identified by a civilian who called 911. That bomb, which was rendered safe prior to detonation, consisted of, among other things, a pressure cooker connected with wires to a cell phone and packaged with an explosive main charge, ball bearings, and steel nuts.

Prosecutors noted that Rahimi also planted IEDs in two New Jersey neighbor-

hoods. One detonated without resulting in injuries. The other was defused by law enforcement.

Rahimi was arrested on Sept. 19 in Linden, N.J., following a firefight with police during which he shot several cops before he was himself struck by gunfire and subdued.

“The Chelsea bombing was an attempt to bring our city to its knees. Instead, our NYPD, FBI and federal prosecutors have brought Ahmad Rahimi to justice. His evil was met with the bravery and resiliency

File Photo

of a beautiful neighborhood and an entire city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New York City will never be intimidated. We remain vigilant, resolute and safe. Congratulations to all those involved in this important prosecution.”

Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill added that Monday’s verdict “is the most forceful deterrent for anyone considering waging terror in our city. We will investigate; we will find those responsible; and justice will prevail.”

Homeless Man Sentenced to up to Four Years in Prison for Burglarizing Borough Houses of Worship

By Forum Staff A 24-year-old homeless man has been sentenced to 1 ½ to 4 ½ years in prison after pleading guilty to burglary as a hate crime and other charges for a spree of break-ins at four houses of worship in Queens County earlier this year.

Joseph Woznik, 24 plead guilty in September to third-degree burglary as a hate crime, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and second-degree bail jumping in regards to an outstanding warrant issued for the defendant in Florida in 2016 on burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief charges.

In those burglaries, the defendant stole cash, checks and damaged property bePhoto Courtesy of Google longing to the religious institutions, which The Bangladesh Hindu Mandir Temple in Flushing was among the four houses of worship that Woznik admitted are located in the Flushing, Woodside and to burglarizing.

Elmhurst neighborhoods of Queens.

He has been sentenced to 1 ½ to 4 ½ which the defendant broke into on three was burglarized three times, the church ofyears in prison. separate occasions. fice door was pried open and approximately Between March 21, 2017, and April An employee at Bangladesh Hindu $1,600 in cash was removed in March and 10, 2017, Woznik broke into four different Mandir Temple arrived at the building and then in April the defendant gained entry houses of worship: the Bangladesh Hindu saw that three donation boxes had been again ransacked the office. The final breakMandir Temple in Flushing, Blessed Vir- forced open and all the cash inside was in at the church occurred less than a week gin Mary Help of Christians (St. Mary’s of missing. Latent fingerprints lifted from the later. The same office door was pried open Winfield) in Woodside, St. Mary’s Roma- donation boxes matched Woznik’s finger- and three checks from the church’s checknian Orthodox Church in Elmhurst and prints. book were taken.

St. James Episcopal Church in Flushing, At St. James Episcopal Church, which At the time of Woznik’s arrest, there 6 OCTOBER 19, 2017 • Number 42 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

were two checks from the church in his possession, as well as a pawn shop receipt that indicated a digital camera had been pawned there.

Also in April, board member of St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church observed a window at their church had been broken. When he was arrested, Woznik admitted that when the alarm went off in the church he ran from the location.

On that same day, a priest at Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians (St. Mary’s of Winfield) went to the church and saw a broken window within the church door and an office within had been ransacked. A donation box had pry marks on it and a hammer was left on the floor near the donation box. A review of video surveillance footage showed a man, identified as Woznik, inside the church and he could be seen using a hammer to pry open the donation box. At the time of his arrest, Woznik admitted to removing twenty dollars from underneath a statue inside the church. When Woznik was arrested, according to the charges, he stated, in sum and substance, that “I’m mad at God. I don’t like church no more.

I don’t want to deal with religion. I’m sick and tired of hearing about religion. I don’t break into houses, only churches. I break in to get back at God.”

Jamaica Man Sentenced to Gang Member Gets 15 up to Life in Prison for Sex Years for Armed Robbery, Assault of 7-Year-Old Girl Attempted Murder

By Forum Staff A Queens man has been sentenced to up to 18 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting a young girl over a three-year period, beginning when she was only seven years old.

Shaking Jones, 36, of 114th Road in Jamaica, was convicted last month of predatory sexual assault against a child, first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child following a three-week jury trial presided over by Queens Supreme Court Justice Richard L. Buchter.

An indeterminate sentence of 18 years to life in prison was imposed. According to

trial testimony, Jones was dating the 7-year old girl’s mother when, beginning on August 1, 2012, he regularly and repeatedly sexually assaulted his young victim. The abuse ended in July 2015 when the victim disclosed to an adult cousin what was occurring.

District Attorney Brown said, “The facts in this case chronicle a frightening ordeal of sexual violence that went on for years. By using his friendship with the victim’s mother, the defendant took advantage of an innocent child for his own sexual gratification. The lengthy sentence imposed today by the court is more than deserving.” The District Attorney identified the defendant as

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 16 Years to Life in Prison for Maspeth Burglary

By Forum Staff A mandatory persistent felon has been sentenced to 16 years to life after pleaded guilty to burglarizing a Maspeth home.

Felix Perez, 38, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Perez plead guilty last month to second-degree burglary.

District Attorney Brown said, “The defendant, a persistent felon, violated the sanctity of another person’s home in order to enrich himself. He has now been sentenced by the Court to a lengthy term of incarceration as punishment for his actions.”

According to the criminal charges, police officers responded to a 911 call of a burglary in progress on 66th Street on the afternoon of August 1, 2016. When the officers entered the home, they encountered the defendant unlawfully inside the residence. There was a physical altercation and

Photo Courtesy of Google

Felix Perez was sentenced as a mandatory persistent felon.

the defendant was shot in the upper thigh, but still managed to flee the scene. Perez was apprehended soon afterwards approximately a block away from the home.

Johnson robbed this Liberty Avenue phone store and four other establishments last year.

By Forum Staff A 21-year-old purported member of the Bloods street gang has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty last month to attempted murder in the shooting of a man in December 2016.

Identified as Shukri Johnson, 21, of Guy R. Brewer Boulevard in Jamaica, the defendant also plead guilty in September to a spree of armed robberies at commercial businesses throughout Queens County between October 2016 and January 2017.

District Attorney Brown said, “In pleading guilty, the defendant has now admitted that he shot a man in the back and hip. The defendant also admitted to a string of armed robberies - including one in which a store worker was pistol-whipped.

This kind of violence and criminal activity will not be tolerated in Queens. The defendant, a young man who could have chosen a different path for his future, is now going to prison for a very long time.”

On September 25, 2017, Johnson

Photo Courtesy of Google

plead guilty to one count of second-degree attempted murder and five counts of first-degree robbery. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years’ post release supervision.

On December 30, 2016, the defendant shot the victim, Shariff Funny, 25, as he stood waiting for an elevator in a building on Foch Boulevard in Jamaica, Queens.

Funny was shot in the back and hip, but survived the injuries. In addition, the defendant and another individual committed five armed robberies of commercial establishments on October 17 at 131-08 Liberty Ave.; November 15 at 121-20 Liberty Ave.; November 27 at 194-06 Northern Blvd.; and December 31 at 132-07 Liberty Ave., all in 2016; and a final robbery on January 2, 2017, at 133-26 Springfield Blvd.

Johnson wore a mask and forced employees into a backroom and made them lie face-down on the floor while pointing a gun at them. He took cash and phones from cell phone stores and cash and narcotics from a pharmacy.

Man Convicted of Murder in Fatal Shooting during Botched South Ozone Park Drug Robbery

By Forum Staff

when Suarez opened the backdoor and entered the vehicle with the intent of robbing its occupants of the pound of marijuana they believed he was there to buy.

While inside the vehicle, Suarez displayed a firearm and shot Mr. Aponte once in the upper right leg before turning his firearm toward the driver, John Pichardo, 19, and fatally shooting him once in the head before fleeing. Mr. Aponte was transported to a local Queens hospital and treated for his injuries.

“In rendering its verdict, the jury found the defendant guilty of committing a cold and calculating act,” said DA Brown. “The actions of the defendant warrants imposition of a lengthy prison sentence to punish him and protect society.”

A Queens Village resident has been found guilty of fatally shooting a Queens teenager and wounding another man during an attempted drug robbery in January 2015.

Jairam C. Ali Suarez, 26, of 214th Street, was convicted late yesterday of two counts of second-degree murder, first-degree assault and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, robbery and attempted robbery.

Suarez, who faces up to 50 years to life in prison, will be sentenced in November.

According to trial testimony, 21-year-old Wilfredo Aponte, of Ridgewood, Queens, was seated in the backseat of a vehicle parked Photo Courtesy of Google in front of 150-22 130th Street during the Suarez fatally shot Juan Pichardo once in the head in front of this 130th Street home. early morning hours of January 6, 2015, THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 42 OCTOBER 19 2017 | 7

OUR LADY of GRACE SOCCER Is proud to announce

COUNCILMAN ERIC ULRICH Will be honored at the nd 2 Annual Dinner Dance Friday, October 20th, 2017 7 pm Cocktail Hour at Roma View Catering 160-05 Cross Bay Boulevard Howard Beach $100 per person

Includes deluxe cocktail hour, open bar, sit down dinner, dancing and entertainment To order tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please visit: http://www.olgsoccer.com/Pages/DinnerDance.aspx Questions please call (347) 378-8814 or email olgsoccermom@yahoo.com 8 OCTOBER 19, 2017 • Number 42 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Carving Out Halloween Memories: PUMPKIN CARVING POINTERS

Transforming pumpkins into cleverly carved creations is a Halloween tradition. Each October, glowing pumpkins take up residence near doorsteps and porches, adding to the magical ambiance of the season. Young and old spend time designing their themes and then taking knife to pumpkin to

achieve the desired effects.

Carving pumpkins into jacko'-lanterns can be traced back centuries to Ireland and a story about "Stingy Jack." The tale involves Jack outwitting the Devil twice, the second time freeing the Devil from a prank in exchange for the promise that he would not claim

PRESERVE CARVED PUMPKINS IN VARIOUS WAYS Jack-o'-lanterns and other carved pumpkin designs are frequently the centerpieces of Halloween festivities. The twinkling lights and orange glow of jack-o'lanterns can add ambiance to any autumn event. The trouble with carving pumpkins is that most people want to do it right away, only to discover their pumpkins wilt and decay long before Halloween.

Nothing ruins Halloween more than visiting a home to trick-or-treat and not getting candy. Equally disappointing is a sad pumpkin display withering away on a front porch. Even though all pumpkins will eventually rot, certain tips can keep carvings from collapsing too soon.

• Choose a sturdy pumpkin.

Inspect the pumpkin of your choosing carefully, looking for gouges, spots and holes. Even a small blemish can quickly expand into a mushy mess. Select pumpkins with even color and firm flesh, and make sure that the pumpkin doesn't feel tender when you push on the skin.

• Visit local pumpkin stands.

Pumpkins that have been shipped miles and miles in hot cargo trucks may be overly ripened or battered. Pumpkins that were grown nearby may be fresher.

Plus, buying pumpkins locally supports local farmers.

• Scrape the insides of the pumpkin thoroughly. Any moist

Jack's soul should Jack die. When Jack did die, God did not want the unsavory character in heaven, but the Devil could not claim Jack for hell. Therefore, Jack was relegated to roam the planet indefinitely with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put that coal into a carved-out turnip. His ghostly figure was referred to as "Jack of the Lantern." Later on it was shortened to "Jack O'Lantern." When Irish immigrants arrived in North America, turnips weren't plentiful, so jack-o'-lanterns were instead carved into pumpkins.

Today, many people carve jack-o'-lanterns, with some featuring just smiling or grimacing faces while others are far more artistic creations. These tips can help anyone carve a pumpkin.

• Begin with a fresh pumpkin.

Look for a pumpkin with a green stem. If the pumpkin has been sitting around for too long or has been handled too much, the stem can get brittle and/or fall off. A thick, fresh pumpkin is best for carving.

• Plan your ideas. Draw a plan for your pumpkin before you make your first cut. Then transfer that design to the pumpkin with pen or a thin marker. Pumpkincarving kits come with designs that can be "traced" by poking small holes to create the outline of the design. bits inside the pumpkin will mold quickly. The pumpkin carving experts at Pumpkin Masters recommend scraping as much of the "guts" out as possible, leaving about a one-inch thickness of the wall of the pumpkin.

• Coat the pumpkin. Preservation methods may aim to keep the pumpkin hydrated and inhibit mold and other microbial growth. Commercially sold pumpkin preservation products, such as Pumpkin Fresh®, hold up well. Soaking and spraying carved pumpkins with a bleach-andwater solution also seems to preserve designs.

• Keep it out of the elements.

Store carved pumpkins in a cool, dry place. This will help slow down the rotting process for pumpkins exposed to outdoor fungi, other microbes and warm sunlight.

• Use an artificial light source.

Reduce the heat inside of the pumpkin and encourage hydration by selecting a battery-powered light instead of a lit candle to

• Don't cut all the way through. Many professional pumpkin artists do not actually cut clear through the flesh of the pumpkin. They carve and shave off layers of the outer rind until it becomes more translucent. The level of transparency can be adjusted based on how much skin is removed and as a way to add texture and shadowing. The more air that is allowed to penetrate the pumpkin, the faster it will start to degrade.

• Delay carving until the last minute. Wait until the day before Halloween to begin carving.

Pumpkins are a perishable item, and they'll begin to rot as soon as you begin carving. Spritzing them with water can help them stay fresh, but there's no turning back the clock once the first cut is made.

• Cut a hole in the back. According to Brooklyn-based Maniac Pumpkin Carvers, cutting off the top of the pumpkin can affect its structural integrity and cause it to rot faster. Instead, cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin and use an electric light to illuminate it.

LEDs are adviseable because they don't generate much heat, which can cook and rot the pumpkin from the inside out.

With some creativity and a little know-how, anyone can create an eye-catching jack-o'-lantern.

Did you know?

While the image of a witch riding her broomstick across a full moon is one of the more indelible images associated with Halloween, the likelihood of witnessing a full moon on Halloween is pretty slim.

According to Moongiant.com, a full moon on Halloween happens an average of just once every 18 or 19 years. That means Halloween celebrants will likely only witness a full moon on Halloween five times every century. In fact, the last time trick-or-treaters went on the prowl for Halloween candy beneath a full moon was October 31, 2001. And Halloween lovers will have to wait just a little bit longer to dodge evil spirits in the light of a full moon, as Moongiant notes the next time a full moon is slated to appear on October 31 is not until 2020.

Carved pumpkins may last a week or two, while uncut pumpkins can last for a month or more. Keeping pumpkins hydrated and mold-free will prolong your designs.

illuminate the carving.

Remember that once pumpkin skin is compromised, microbes can enter. So if you really want to get the maximum life out of your pumpkins, yu may choose

to hold some aside and paint or decorate pumpkins in other ways if you want them to stay fresh for a long time. Glow in the dark paint can really help pumpkins stand out at night.

Forum Photos by Michael V. Cusenza

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 42 OCTOBER 19 2017 | 9

Pheffer Amato-led Working Group Set to Lay out NFIP Priorities

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s Office

The working group convened by Pheffer Amato will mark the five-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy with a list of legislative recommendations for the National Flood Insurance Program.

By Forum Staff A working group convened by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) will mark the five-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy later this month with a list of legislative recommendations for the National Flood Insurance Program, which is slated to expire on Dec. 8, Pheffer Amato announced on Tuesday.

The Flood Insurance Reform Advisory Group is composed of stakeholders from impacted communities in south Queens, as well as representatives of U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) and Borough President Melinda Katz.

According to the assemblywoman, NFIP reauthorization was already slated to be one of three major legislative items of the current session of Congress before Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria made securing America’s floodplain a top priority.

Pheffer Amato noted that Sandy was one of the earliest contemporary “super-storms,” and the successes and failures of the City and State during the recovery period have been used as case studies for how America must address the flooding crisis from here on out.

“The rest of the country is, unfortunately, about to experience some of the five-year horror show we went through – red tape, bureaucracy, and blatant exploitation,” Pheffer Amato said. “But we did come out stronger, with a paramount desire to protect others from the worst and least-necessary shocks.

There’s no one better than a Sandy survivor to bring a list of important ‘to dos’ to a nation now grappling with these issues every year.

And there’s no more impactful place to weigh in than on NFIP reauthorization. I want to thank this incredible team for their work to put our hard-won experience to paper, and I’m grateful to our representatives in DC for bringing us in to the national conversation.”

Pheffer Amato also pointed out that more than half of all Americans live in a county adjacent to coastline, and climate scientists expect flooding issues to worsen worldwide over the next several decades, making legislative steps taken in the near future potentially decisive to the success or failure of securing the floodplain.

“Insurance shapes the whole landscape of resiliency and recovery,” the assemblywoman added. “That’s why I convened this working group. Everyone on this team

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

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

Be Careful, Be Safe, Don't Be Sorry It's 2 a.m.–the cough and stuffy nose you're fighting is keeping you up. You reach for the nighttime cold relief medicine but it expired a few months ago. If you take it, will you be putting yourself at risk? This situation is a relatively common occurrence.

Many medicine cabinets are stocked with over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription medications that may be past their expiration dates. It's good to routinely discard expired medicines, but if you happen to take a drug that has passed its expiration date, you'll likely be just fine.

Experts tell us the expiration date on a medicine is not the dates when a drug becomes hazardous. It simply marks the period of time when a drug company can no longer guarantee it's efficacy.

Since 1979, drug manufacturers in the United States have been required by the Food and Drug Administration to stamp an expiration date on their products. This is the date until which the manufacturer can still guarantee full potency of the drug.

Expiration dates also may be a marketing ploy. Some experts say drug manufacturers put expiration dates on products for marketing purposes rather than scientific reasons. It doesn’t make financial sense to a company to have products on the shelves for

years. Therefore, most drug manufacturers will not do long-term testing on products to confirm if they will be effective 10 to 15 years after manufacture.

The U.S. military has conducted their own studies with the help of the FDA. FDA researchers tested more than 100 over-thecounter and prescription drugs. Around 90 percent were proven to still be effective long past the expiration date -- some for more than 10 years.

Drugs that are stored in cool, dark places last longer because product fillers will not separate or start to break down as they might in a warm, humid environment.

Storing meds in the refrigerator can prolong their shelf life.

Pharmacist cannot legally advise consumers to use medications past the expiration date, but most OTC pain relievers and drugs in pill form should be fine. Certain liquid antibiotics and drugs made up of organic materials can expire faster than others. TO be safe, clean you medicine cabinet regularly, but if an expired medication is taken by mistake, there's little need to worry about potentially adverse effects. And remember you can always call your pharmacist for confirmation.

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:

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

rolled up their sleeves from Day One in 2012. Now they have five years of experience under their belt – rendering aid, cleaning up, comforting their neighbors, rebuilding, lobbying for help, swapping best practices, wrestling with bureaucracy, fighting with insurance companies on behalf of their families and communities. Insurance impacts us long-term, steering where people live and can afford to continue to live; it touches on every aspect of recovery and rebuilding.”

Dan Mundy, Jr., president of the Broad Channel Civic Association and a member of the working group, said, “Maintaining affordable flood insurance for coastal communities is the single most-important issue

for millions of residents who currently are mandated to maintain this coverage.

“The loss of affordable flood insurance will destabilize coastal communities,” he continued, “and for this reason, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato has formed the Flood Insurance Reform Advisory Group. I am proud to be part of this group, which has produced a working document which highlights the critical points that we need to see in the new reauthorization bill. Hopefully, we will see these commonsense concepts included and flood insurance will remain affordable for working families.”

The group is set to announce their recommendations on Sunday, Oct. 29.

Ulrich Honors 106th Precinct Cops for Heroic Ozone Park Fire Rescue

By Michael V. Cusenza

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) on Tuesday honored two 106th Precinct cops for their heroic efforts in saving an elderly woman, her 2-year-old grandson, and a dog from their burning home this summer.

Neighborhood Coordination Officers John Maderik and Brian Coffey received framed proclamations from Ulrich during the ceremonial portion of the City Council Stated Meeting at City Hall.

“It is an honor and a privilege to recognize Officers Maderik and Coffey for such a selfless act of bravery,” the councilman said.

On July 20, Maderik and Coffey ran into the burning building after a passing motorist alerted 10 OCTOBER 19, 2017 • Number 42 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

them to the fire. Once the officers made it upstairs they found the grandmother disoriented in a smoky room looking for her belongings.

The veteran cops rushed the woman, toddler, and dog out of the home and to safety. Maderik and Coffey then ran back inside and kicked down an apartment door to ensure nobody was left behind.

“When you’re up there, you can’t see what’s going on,” Maderik said at the time. “In the first couple of seconds, smoke gets in your lungs and it becomes very difficult to breathe. We had to get in and out of there pretty quickly.”

File Photo

Hero cops Brian Coffey (l.) and John Maderik with the residents they saved in July.

Construction Site Safety among Dozen Pieces of Legislation Signed into Law by Mayor

By Michael V. Cusenza

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday held public hearings for, and signed, 12 pieces of legislation into law, including Intro. 1447-C, which increases safety training requirements for construction workers.

According to the City Council, Intro.

1447-C specifies certain training and qualification requirements that the persons engaged in the construction and demolition of certain buildings must meet.

The final bill: • Establishes site safety training requirements for workers at most construction sites (excluding sites that involve buildings with only one to three dwelling units or minor work).

• Requires workers to undergo between 40-55 hours of safety training. These hours will be specified by the City Department of Buildings and will be phased in over time.

• Allows workers to fulfill their training requirement by completing an alternative training program, such as an apprenticeship program, but only if DOB determines that that program is equivalent to, or more exten-

Photo Courtesy of Edwin Torres/Mayoral Photography Office

Introduction 1447-C increases safety training requirements for construction workers.

sive than, the standard safety training requirements.

• Allows laborers to continue working while they complete training. After completing 10 hours of initial training, workers will be eligible for temporary cards that will authorize them to work on construction sites while they complete the rest of the required training.

“Today’s historic bill signing represents the next chapter in the progressive fight for safer workplaces and their surrounding areas,” said Gary LaBarbera, president of Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “This law is a significant step in the right direction for improving worker and public safety alike and standardizing rigorous

training in New York City.”

According to the City, the development of such a training program would assist thousands of workers comprised of day laborers, employees of small businesses, and other individuals during the first year of the program, at an estimated cost of $1,000 per person, or about $4 million in Fiscal Year 2018. An additional $1 million would be reserved to cover administrative costs.

“For the hard-hats in one of our city’s most dangerous jobs, this bill will help get them home to their families at night and keep the general public safe around construction sites,” de Blasio said on Monday.

Other pieces of legislation that were signed into law this week include Intro. 139-C, which adds non-tobacco shisha to the City’s SmokeFree Air Act; Intro. 1075-A, requiring hookah bars to post signage warning of the dangers of hookah smoking; Intro. 1539-A, which establishes additional rights and protections for customers who are purchasing secondhand automobiles; and Intro. 1540-A, which requires second-hand automobile dealers to display and provide consumers with a bill of rights.

Pols Urge Feds to Help Customers of Beleaguered Borough Credit Union

By Michael V. Cusenza Eight members of the city Congressional delegation on Thursday sent a letter to the National Credit Union Administration calling on the independent federal agency to work with borrowers who used beleaguered Briarwood-based Melrose Credit Union to finance the purchase of NYC taxi medallions.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) noted that the NCUA, which was created by Congress to oversee federal credit unions, assumed control of Melrose in February after the State Department of Financial Services found “unsafe and unsound conditions” at the credit union. Melrose’s loan portfolio is

more than 90 percent comprised of medallion-backed loans. According to Meng, many loans have been required to be rapidly repaid in full, reportedly resulting in the bankruptcy of 35 borrowers so far.

“Cab drivers and medallion owners have been suffering terribly from the decline in medallion values and now some who borrowed from Melrose are being met with unfair repayment demands,” Meng said. “This burden is turning the lives of hard working taxi drivers upside down, threatening their livelihood and forcing many into bankruptcy.

It is also threatening the survival of the New York taxi industry. NCUA must do what it can to stop the bleeding. The agency should seek to protect medallion owners as much as

it possibly can. Borrowers, through no fault of their own, have hit hard times due to a changing industry; they need help. I eagerly await the agency’s response to our letter.”

The other members of the city Congressional delegation that signed the letter are: U.S. Reps. Joe Crowley (D-Queens and Bronx), Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan and Bronx), Hakeem Jeffries (D-Howard Beach and Brooklyn), Carolyn Maloney (DManhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn), Gregory Meeks (D-Queens and Nassau), José Serrano (D-Bronx) and Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens).

In their missive, the pols noted that, while placing Melrose in conservatorship “may have been a necessary action for the

NCUA to take, we ask that you recognize the unique income-generating nature of the underlying asset – taxi medallions – and examine the ways in which other lenders have addressed the holding of medallion-backed loans within their portfolios.”

Jeffries added, “It is our responsibility as community leaders to ensure [taxi drivers] can reasonably and fairly pay back their medallion loans. All hardworking Americans deserve the respect to earn their own living, and these cab drivers are simply asking for that opportunity. I look forward to working with my New York City Congressional colleagues and the NCUA to help protect the hallmark of New York in these changing times.”

Hundreds of Employment Seekers Attend Addabbo Job Fair at Resorts World

By Forum Staff Roughly 600 people seeking employment gathered at Resorts World Casino New York City earlier this month for State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr.’s (D-Howard Beach) Annual Job Fair.

According to Addabbo’s office, the fourhour event featured more than 150 potential employers representing a wide spectrum of career fields.

The fair offered participants an opportunity to meet and speak with employers from government agencies, private retailers, health care, education, insurance, telecommunications, social services, trans-

portation, airlines, engineering, and other areas. Opportunities for residents to seek out seasonal retail work, in light of the upcoming holiday season, were also a highlight of the event, Addabbo said.

“One of my most important goals as a public official is to help people find and hold meaningful living wage jobs that enable them to provide for themselves and their families,” said Addabbo, a member of the Senate Labor Committee. “My yearly job fairs provide important opportunities Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office for individuals to talk face to face with a multitude of diverse employers who may Job fair participants had the opportunity to meet and speak with employers from government agencies, private retailers, health care, education, insurance, telecommunications, social services, transportation, airlines, very well represent the next steps on a job engineering , and other areas. seeker’s career path.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 42 OCTOBER 19 2017 | 11

EDITORIAL It’s fairly rare that we wholeheartedly agree with politicians – even our local elected officials. One of a journalist’s most trusted, and frankly crucial, tools is healthy cynicism that allows us to keep said pols in check by roping them in when they lie about achievements or nailing them to the wall if they scheme to cheat constituents.

This is one of those extraordinary occasions when we find ourselves in lockstep with our electeds.

On Nov. 7, New York voters will get to answer three ballot questions.

One of them is as follows: “Shall there be a convention to revise the Constitution and amend the same?”

No. There shall not.

Here’s why: The cost of such an undertaking could be astronomical—for something that has no tangible conclusion attached. It would be akin to tearing open the proverbial Pandora’s box and using a blank check to try to close it.

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) this week changed his view on the matter. Initially, he backed the proposal—under one condition: “That it does not interfere with collective bargaining agreements or public pensions. I strongly oppose any ef-

SAY NO-NO TO CON CON

lective bargaining and other labor rights a permanent seat at the table, which is not something any of us can afford to lose.”

Perhaps the stars, moons, and planets have aligned just right – whatever it is, we agree with our local representatives: Vote No on Prop 1.

Say

fort which would take away the retirement security of our cops, fire fighters, teachers and other municipal workers.”

On Tuesday, Ulrich explained his evolution on the issue.

“My job as an elected official is to represent my district,” he said. “I simply cannot, in good conscience, go against the views of my constituents on such an important matter. I have always supported collective bargaining rights and have fought very hard to protect public pensions under two administrations (Bloomberg and de Blasio). I won’t allow the Con-

Con question to tarnish that record.”

Last week, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) and State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (DHoward Beach) indicated that they were encouraging their constituents to vote No on ConCon question.

“The working men and women of New York State, represented by labor unions and activists, have been crystalclear: a Constitutional Convention would leave crucial worker protections vulnerable,” Pheffer Amato reasoned.

“The NYS Constitution, while not a perfect document by any means, gives col-

Yes

to

Question

On to ballot question 2 (try not to laugh): The proposed amendment to section 7 of Article 2 of the State Constitution would allow a court to reduce or revoke the pension of a public officer who is convicted of a felony that has a direct and actual relationship to the performance of the public officer’s duties. Shall the proposed amendment be approved?

Our answer is a resounding, shout-it-loud from the rooftops, put-it-on-a-billboard YES. Our beloved borough has produced some of the worst political crooks in the history of the Empire State. (Hi, Brian McLaughlin!) Perhaps the promise of a lost pension will keep the next batch of greedy elected gremlins on the (mostly) straight and narrow.

Perhaps. .

Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP

Attorneys At Law

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

Catherine M. Stanton, Esq.

800.692.3717

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

12 OCTOBER 19, 2017 • Number 42 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

2

118-21 Queens Blvd.

Suite 302 Forest Hills, NY 11375

NASSAU 25 Newbridge Road Suite 203 Hicksville, NY 11801

Legal Notices 94-50 45TH Ave LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 06/16/17. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 7043 45 th Ave, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 12 day of July 2017, bearing Index Number NC-000408/17/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) UNZA (last) AUBAID. The city and state of my address is 120-14 ATLANTIC AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR, SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY 11419. The date of my birth is JANUARY 22, 2013; place of my birth is QUEENS, NY; my present name is UNZA AUBAD (infant)

MERCADO AND ASSOCIATES LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 09/06/17. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: KIM JHERR MERCADO, 2004 23RD STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

NIAGARA RESIDENCE LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/13/2017.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 37-28 56th St., Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

TP NOTCH LEGAL LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/27/17. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process toTHE LLC, 118-35 QUEENS BLVD., SUITE 400, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation: Eurofin LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/08/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process.

SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to: SABAJ LAW, P.C, 121A Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222. Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity PARSONS CONSTRUCTION QUEENS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/02/17. 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, 58-32 218th Street, Bayside, NY 11364.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

KYLINEN LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/25/17. 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, 135-41 Coolidge Ave, Briarwood, NY 11435. 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 69-20 30TH AVENUE, WOODSIDE, NY 11377 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

APULLUM CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/10/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 58-24 80th Street, Middle Village, NY 11379. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

MODERN ARTS BUILDING LLC Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/13/17. Office location: Queens Co. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 7/25/17 SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC PO Box 94081 Rockaway Park, NY 11694. DE address H D L REALTY, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with of LLC: 3500 S DuPont Hwy Dover, DE 19901. the SSNY on 09/01/2017. Office loc: Queens Arts. Of Org. filed with DE Secy. of State, PO Box County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon 898 Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: any lawful activity. whom process against the LLC may be served.

RAMANIWAS 808 REALTY LLC. Arts. of SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 50-30 Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/21/17. Office: 208th Street, Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: Any Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of ODEON SECURITY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 8/26/16. 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 ODEON SECURITY LLC, 143-09 222nd STREET, GROUND LEVEL, LAURELTON, NY 11413, the principal business location. Purpose: any lawful activity.

CHUBBY FINGERS PRODUCTIONS, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/19/17.

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, C/O United States Corporation Agents inc., 7014 13th Avenue Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

THE LIVANOS ALBANY GROUP LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/20/17. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to PO Box 501, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of MurphyMade LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/23/17. Office location: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Matthew Murphy, 235 E. 95th St., Apt. 34J, NY, NY 10128. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of R&S LABEL LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/01/17. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: QUEENS. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: SAMANTHA LANMAN, 41-42 24TH STREET, APT 1509, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of SUCCESS STEPS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/08/17. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 42-09 235th St., 2nd Fl., Douglaston, NY 11363. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th AVenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of 3940 21ST STREET REALTY LLC . Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/19/17.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 39-40 21st St., Astoria, NY 11101.

Purpose: any lawful act.

Camera Shield

Your safety is our concern

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

Own your own system Lorex, Hikvision, Dahua and more

LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

Notice of Formation of CLERMONT ORSSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 37-32 GANIZING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy.

75th Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/07/17. Office locaAny lawful purpose. tion: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of Notice of Formation of Lona and Stephanie LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY SSNY shall mail process to: Julia Lyschik, 35-15 (SSNY) on 08/23/17. Office location: Queens 75th Street, #606, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.

County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon Purpose: Any lawful activity whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: the Company at 40-26 College Point Blvd., Sky View, Apt. 10i, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of Corinthian Risk Management LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 9/13/17. 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 49-12 31st Pl, Long Island City, NY 11101, the principal business location. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice is hereby given that an on-premise license, #TBA has been applied for by Vivo Bayside Corp d/b/a Vivo’s to sell beer, wine and liquor at retail in an on premises establishment. For on premises consumption under the ABC law at 201-10 Cross Island Parkway Bayside NY 11360.

WE COURT YOUR LEGAL NOTICES

for the best pricing CALL 718.845.3221

Serving the five boroughs, Westchester and Long Island

Miguel Reyes CCTV/IP Camera Installation 917.662.5373 Miguelreyes@gmail.com THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 42 OCTOBER 19 2017 | 13

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 304 CROSSBAY BLVD, BROAD CHANNEL QUEENS

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

AUTO DONATIONS

Help Wanted 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

Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call (855) 3769474

REAL ESTATE FARM ESTATE LIQUIDATION! OCTOBER 14TH! 16 TRACTS! COOPERSTOWN, NY! 5 to 28 acres from $19,900! Ponds, streams,Views, apple orchards! Terms avail! Call 888-905-8847 To register. NewYorkLandandLakes.com

FARMING ers

GOT LAND? Our Huntwill Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507 w w w. B a s e C a m p L e a s i n g . c o m

LONG BEACH

Beautiful Studio Condo, in the Broadway Bldg, 2 fl, must sell, call now

RKWY BEACH,

Condo, 6 rms, 3bedrms, 2 bths, walk to beach lots of shopping close all transportation and ferry,

H B/ RKWD PK,

HAMILTON BEACH

WATERFRONT, 1 fam, det,6 rms, 3 bedrms call now !

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

HOWARD BEACH

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

HOWARD BEACH

Waterfront, det 1 fam, all new,9 rms, 3 bedrms, for din rm, 45x100, gar, pvt dr, & granite counter tops , mint cond, new heat & cent air, call now

HOWARD BEACH/ RCKWD PK

Hi -Ranch 8 rms, 4 bedrms, pvt dr, gar, cent air, 43x100, call now.

Navigating the World of Real Estate Investor Finance?

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH EXPRESS CAPITAL

We’ll help you grow your business through smart capital management strategies.

No tax return, stated income loans up to 5 million, all property types.

• Hard/Bridge Loans up to 90% • Fix & Flip Loans • Multi-unit, Multi-family • Commercial, Office, Industrial, Retail, Hotels, more Contact us today for a free, no obligation analysis of your company’s financing needs!

Express Capital Financing • 2626 East 14th Street Suite 202 • Brooklyn, NY 11235 718-285-0806 • info@expresscapitalfinancing.com

Get Paid to Take Care of Your Loved One! Yes! You can earn money while your relative or friend enjoys the kind of care he or she deserves at home.

REMEMBER IF YOU SEE SOMETHING YOU'D BETTER SAY SOMETHING

Call us today…

Now is the perfect time to buy your first home.

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

HOWARD BEACH

ground floor co-op, 3.5 rms 1 bedrm, 1 bth in beautiful Barkley bldg. lots of closets and windows , corner unit call now !

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.

Marsha Bronfeld (NMLS #: 488782) 516-535-8776 MBronfeld@astoriabank.com astoriabank.com / 1-800-537-4888

MEMBER FDIC

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

14 OCTOBER 19, 2017 • Number 42 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

for a free consultation with one of our representatives.

Our multi-lingual staff will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Info@gcareny.com

718-875-CARE (2273)

DONATE YOUR CAR

Wheels For Wishes Benefiting

Make-A-Wish® Metro New York

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

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

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 42 OCTOBER 19 2017 | 15

We gladly accept phone orders!

718-835-4900

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

Mon.

Tues

Wed

Thurs.

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

BOAR'S HEAD

DELUXE HAM

Sliced to order

7

$ 99

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR FORUM READERS ONLY!

$5 OFF

lb

BOAR'S HEAD

w/

$75.00 purchase

AMERICAN CHEESE

MOTT'S APPLE JUICE 64 oz bottle

1

$ 99 w/card

limit 2 offers

405.6 Fl Oz Half liter btls

POLAND SPRING WATER 24 PK

Sliced to order

2

Assorted

3

$ 99

$ 99

lb

plus tax & deposit

USDA Choice

Assorted flavors

PORTERHOUSE STEAKS BONE-IN

CHOBANI GREEK YOGURT 5.3 oz

GOOD ONLY FROM 10/20 THRU 10/26 ONE OFFER PER HOUSEHOLD NO OFFERS HONORED WITHOUT

6

PRESENTING THIS COUPON

$ 99

PER LB.

COUPON EXPIRES 10/26/17 ACTUAL PRODUCT MAY NOT APPEAR AS SEEN IN INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS.

16 OCTOBER 19, 2017 • Number 42 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

10/ 10 $

Key Food_111017_FORUM_N

Sale Dates