THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | OCTOBER 25, 2018

VOL. 17 • NUMBER 43 • OCTOBER 25, 2018

WAIT LIFTING New Law Commands Army Engineers to Quickly Complete Long-Stalled Rockaway Resiliency Study

America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 includes a provision directing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to swiftly finish the Rockaway Reformulation Project: an analysis of solutions to protect the Rockaway Peninsula along the Atlantic Coast between East Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay (pictured).

See Story on Page 3

Photo Courtesy of The Cultural Landscape Foundation

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 43 OCTOBER 25, 2018 | 1

Ulrich Allocates $150K for District Clean-up Initiatives

By Forum Staff City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) has allocated $150,000 for mechanical broom sweeping services and additional litter basket pick-ups along various commercial corridors of District 32.

With the funding, the City Sanitation Department has added twice-weekly mechanical broom sweeping service to a number of major thoroughfares, including Cross Bay Boulevard, Coleman Square, Liberty Avenue, Rockaway Boulevard and Lefferts Boulevard. The funds have also added extra litter basket pick-ups and drop-offs along Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven Boulevard, Atlantic Avenue, and other commercial strips. Service for the additional Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office litter basket pick-ups range from Councilman Ulrich and Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia announced the series of clean-up projects on Tuesday on Cross Bay once to twice a week, depending Boulevard. on the location, Ulrich noted.

“Ensuring the quality of life for my constituents is a priority, and this partnership with DSNY makes our community a better place to live and work,” the councilman said on Tuesday. “I am proud to have funded these projects, which clean and beautify some of the busiest commercial strips, spanning from Woodhaven to Howard Beach to the Rockaways.”

The additional sanitation services launched the first week of August, and will run for 30 weeks.

Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association President Joann Ariola thanked Ulrich “for consistently funding programs in the Howard Beach community that have added street cleaning services, basket pick-up days, basket placement in areas that were in need, and graffiti removal and beautification sites throughout the district.”

Weprin Looks to Ban Single-Use Plastic Straws in Municipal Eateries

CANDIDATES FORUM HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD CIVIC

MEETING NOTICE

DATE TIME: PLACE: Photo Courtesy of Assemblyman Weprin’s Office

“New York State must be a leader in protecting our environment, food supplies, and water supplies for the use of future generations,” Assemblyman Weprin said.

Weprin noted that plastic pollution is a significant threat to marine habitats, ocean Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh life, and natural water systems. Non-biodeMeadows) has introduced legislation to pro- gradable and non-recyclable plastics, such as hibit single-use plastic straws in State and single-use straws, dissipate into smaller and municipal food establishments, except in smaller pieces over time and remain in water sources long after being discarded. These cases of medical necessity.

“Banning plastic straws in government carcinogenic microplastics are then ingested run facilities, except in the few cases of by wildlife, some of which are part of the medical necessity, is a simple yet effective human food chain. Microplastics have also means to reduce the harmful accumulation been found in drinking water supplies across of plastic pollution in our environment,” the world, including in New York. AdditionWeprin said on Monday. “This bill will en- ally, more than 175 million single-use plastic able New York State to join a growing list straws are discarded in the United States each of cities, municipalities, and countries that day, the assemblyman added, with billions have taken steps to reduce the use of single of straws being sent to landfills or incinerause plastics and specifically prohibit the use tion facilities annually, forming an additional of plastic straws. New York State must be a source of land and air pollution.

Weprin said this bill would result in a noleader in protecting our environment, food supplies, and water supplies for the use of table reduction of plastic waste in the environment. future generations.”

2 OCTOBER 25, 2018 • Number 43 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

By Forum Staff

TUESDAY, October 30, 2018 7:30pm St. Helen Catholic Academy 83-09 157th Avenue Howard Beach, NY 11414

CANDIDATE FOR GOV. MARC MOLINARO – CONFIRMED NYS SENATOR JOSEPH P. ADDABBO - CONFIRMED CANDIDATE FOR NYS SENATE – THOMAS P. SULLIVAN - CONFIRMED NYS ASSEMBLY MEMBER STACEY PHEFFER AMATO – CONFIRMED CANDIDATE FOR NYS ASSEMBLY – MATTHEW PECORINO – CONFIRMED CANDIDATE FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICE - JOSEPH F. KASPER – CONFIRMED CANDIDATE FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICE – LAURENCE LOVE – CONFIRMED A brief report from NYPD and an UPDATE on the SPRING CREEK PROJECT

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED If you have any questions, contact us via e-mail - hblcivic2014@gmail.comVisit our Facebook Page –Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Follow us on Twitter - @hblcivic and visit our webpage – hblcivic.org

Lindenwood Key Food:A Diamond In The Rough

The deli counter that seems to go on forever houses somethng for everyone in a beautifully appointed display.

By Patricia Adams Some things are worth waiting for.

And the residents of Howard Beach, especially in the Lindewood area, are seeing that old adage come true right before their very eyes.

Last year, The Forum announced plans revealed to us by Key Food owner Frank Almonte, about the massive multi-million dollar renovation plans for the Key Food location in the Howard Plaza Shopping Center in Lindenwood.

The second Almonte's Key Food, located on Crossbay Blvd., has already built the reputation of being the "jewel" among all local markets and specialty stores on the blvd.

Although classified as a supermarket, the Crossbay store has carved out a niche which has steered the store in a direction which is a far cry from what is usually identified as a

Forum photos by Patricia Adams

typical supermarket experience. Successfully highlighting customer service, selection, price and quality, these are the things that have established the hallmark of all things run by the Almonte family.

For those who have not been in the Lindenwood location since the renovations began, there may be some doubt as to what treasures lies beyond the initial view of exposed ceilings, scaffolds, inconsistent flooring and the hustle and bustle of construction personnel that meet your eye upon entering the store.

We invite you however, to walk in make an immediate left turn and head for the far end of the store where a blue paper sign will direct you to the deli department.

The first phase of the project, which is near completion lies in the upper left corner of the store and upon making the turn, customers get their first gander at a pristine and beauti-

Just a small sampling of the vast array of freshly baked offerings in Key Food's bakery.

fully appointed deli counter that stretches for what seems like a mile.

Packed with everything that Boar's Head has to offer in addition to a wide array of salads and prepared delicacies to cater to any taste, one visit to this expanse of deli perfection will quickly relieve shoppers from the need to go anywhere else to satisfy their taste buds.

But the real wonder lies just across the floor at the new bakery and bread department.

The Almonte's have finally answered to the age old question among the predominately Italian Howard Beach population: "Why do we have to leave the neighborhood to get a decent loaf of bread?"

Simply put--you no longer have to. In fact, when word gets out about what this bread mecca is turning out of the imported ovens that serve as the centerpiece of the depart-

ment are turning out, people may just start travelling here to get their bread. That's right it's no longer necessary to travel to Brooklyn or Arthur Ave. to complete Sunday dinner.

Seeded, round, twist, pane. Olive, prosciutto(which actually has prosciutto in it), onion, cranberry with walnuts, brioche-the list just goes on and one is more perfect than the next. And to top it off, the prices are equally as appealing--not to mention the saving of gas and tolls for the travel you'll no longer be doing.

In addition, there is a full line of croissants, rolls and everything else to make a carb crazy population think they died and without passing GO, went directly to Heaven.

We just can't wait to see this masterpiece when all the rennos are complete.

But for now, to the Almonte's we say thank you and molto molto bene!

New Legislation Directs Army Engineers to Swiftly Complete Long-Awaited Rockaway Reformulation

By Michael V. Cusenza

Bipartisan legislation signed on Tuesday

by President Donald Trump calls for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to quickly complete a long-stalled South Queens resiliency study, according to Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (both D-N.Y.).

America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 authorizes studies and projects carried out by the USACE for the primary purposes of navigation, flood protection, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. It includes a provision that commands the corps to swiftly wrap up the Rockaway Reformulation Project: an analysis that will evaluate solutions to protect the Rockaway Peninsula from long-term erosion and evaluate protection initiatives along the Atlantic Coast between the East Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay. The bill authorizes the USACE to proceed directly to preconstruction planning, engineering and design if the Secretary of the Army determines that the project is justified when the report is complete, the senators noted.

“We are seeing stronger storms hitting our coastlines, and we need to make sure that New York communities have the infrastructure and

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/bjoertvedt

The study will evaluate solutions to protect the Rockaway Peninsula from long-term erosion and evaluate coastal protection projects along the Atlantic Coast between East Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay (pictured).

necessary plans in place to protect their homes and businesses,” added Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “With this provision, the Rockaway Peninsula will be one step closer to having a comprehensive, coordinated plan to manage future storm damage. The devastation caused

by Superstorm Sandy was a wakeup call for the urgent need to protect our shorelines.”

Gillibrand and Schumer noted that the Rockaway Beach shoreline has experienced numerous severe hurricanes and nor’easters

over the last 40 years, causing substantial damage to commercial and residential properties on the peninsula. Once complete, the Rockaway Reformulation feasibility study would help create a much-needed comprehensive plan to manage potential future storm damage and prevent loss of life in the region when the next major storm arrives, the senators said.

But the resiliency project has been in the works for several years. The Hurricane Sandy Relief Act of 2013 provided the corps with more than $5 billion in funding to protect

the region’s most vulnerable areas, including fully financing the Rockaway Reformulation Study and construction of the Rockaway Beach coastal protection project. However, in 2017—four years after the law passed— Schumer and U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) blasted the Army for not delivering.

“It is simply unacceptable that a fullyfunded project languish for so long, leaving Rockaway susceptible to erosion, storm surge and flooding,” the legislators wrote to the corps in June 2017.

On Friday, Schumer pointed out that “the residents of the Rockaways and Jamaica Bay have waited far too long for the completion” of the reformulation.

“This provision will build on the agreement I struck with [NY District] Army Corps Col. [Thomas] Asbery to speed up the Rockaway Reformulation Project so this community can finally benefit from the hundreds of millions of dollars that I worked hard to secure through the Sandy Relief bill. Now, it’s time for the Army Corps to listen carefully to feedback from local residents as they work to build a truly resilient future for Rockaway and Jamaica Bay,” the Empire State’s senior senator added.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 43 OCTOBER 25, 2018 | 3

Pols Donate Flood Tools to Hamilton Beach Fire Department

By Forum Staff State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (DHoward Beach) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (DHoward Beach) on Friday presented the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department with a high-volume water pump, strainer, and hose to help the agency address flooding issues that have plagued the community for years.

“When there is high-tide you can barely walk let alone drive your car through the streets of Hamilton Beach. This pump will assist in making the streets safer and protecting our homes,” WHBVFD Deputy Chief Nick Spinelli said.

The pump includes a large, 2.9-gallon fuel tank delivering a sixhour run time, according to Addabbo and Pheffer Amato.

“This water pump will benefit the entire Hamilton Beach community by helping the fire department make the streets safer for drivers and pedestrians during times of high tide and flooding,” Addabbo noted.

“I am hopeful this pump and other upcoming mitigation projects will further address the issue of flooding in Hamilton Beach.”

Pheffer Amato added, “The need to stay safe with persistent flood-

Senator Addabbo ( far r.) and Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato (second from r.) donated the equipment on Friday.

ing is of the utmost importance in the Hamilton Beach community.

Preparedness is key, and this water pump will go a long way in ensuring we are ready at a moment’s notice.”

Community leaders appreciated the donation.

“The pump will be used to clear the water from the areas that are

most affected during times of extremely high tides. While this is not a final solution to our flooding issue, it will make the roads passable quicker,” New Hamilton Beach Civic Association President Roger Gendron said. “The civic will work with the West Hamilton Beach Volunteers to come up

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s Office

with a plan of action. Hopefully this is just the first step in getting a permanent solution to stop the ever-increasing tidal flooding communities all along Jamaica Bay have been experiencing at a much greater rate.”

Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton also thanked

the elected officials on Friday “for their recognition that improving resiliency in our neighborhoods is not just about the ‘big’ multimilliondollar projects. We thank them for knowing that, from their first-hand experience gained from regularly dealing with the community’s concerns, smaller projects also matter.”

Married Couple Busted for Sex Trafficking

By Forum Staff A 31-year-old Brooklyn woman and her 34-year-old husband from Pennsylvania have been convicted at trial of sex trafficking and promoting prostitution for their respective roles in an illicit sex trafficking operation they ran between October 2016 through January 2017.

During this time, the defendants hired a 21- year-old woman under the false pretense that she would be working for them as an exotic dancer. Instead, the unsuspecting victim was forced to trade sex for cash and turn over all the money to the defendants.

District Attorney Brown said, “The victim in this case - a young woman forced into prostitution - endured both emotional and physical trauma at the hands of these two defendants. The two used physical force and intimidation to make her have sex dates with strangers and turn over the cash to them. A jury weighed all the evidence and rendered a guilty verdict. A lengthy term of incarceration is more than warranted.”

The defendants have been identified as Elizabeth O’Sullivan, 31, of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and Lee Vargas, 34, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

A jury late yesterday found the defendants guilty of three counts of sex trafficking and second- and third-degree promoting prostitution, following a five-weektrial.

Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone Forum photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Police Jr., set sentencing for November 13, when the defendants Lee Vargas was nabbed in an undercover sting along with his wife for sexface up to 25 years in prison. trafficking a 21–year-old woman whom the couple forced into prostitution.

According to trial testimony, in October 2016, the two defendants picked up the 21-year-old victim from an un-

4 OCTOBER 25, 2018 • Number 43 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

disclosed location in Massachusetts and drove the woman to Queens. The victim was under the impression that the pair hired her to be an exotic dancer and stripper. Instead, the married pair forced the victim to have dailysexual encounters with multiple men in exchange for money and then turn over the cash to the defendants. The couple advertised the woman, along with several other females, as being a prostitute on Backpage.com.

When the 21-year-old could not take the brutal treatment any longer, she cried and told the defendants she did not want to work for them any longer. Defendant Vargas ordered the young woman to call him “Daddy.”

He slapped her repeatedly, choked and threw her to the floor her when she overslept and missed scheduled dates with her clients. Defendant Vargas further humiliated the young woman by urinating on her to signify that she belonged to him. The District Attorney continued, according to trial testimony, the victim tried to leave the Flushing hotel where she was held on numerous occasions only to be met at the door by O’Sullivan, who physically attacked and forced her to remain inside the room. In an act of desperationthe victim managed to reach out to her family, who notified police. An undercover rescue operation began on January 7, 2017, when a law enforcement official responded to one of the advertisements. The officer, who was summoned to the Main Street location, met the victim and agreed to engage in sexual intercourse in exchange for $200. At approximately4:00 a.m., the followingmorning, officers returned to the hotel and apprehended the defendants as they were sitting in a vehicle outside of the hotel smoking.

Free Mammogram Service Coming to Howard Beach

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By Michael V. Cusenza A mobile breast cancer care clinic is set to make a stop in Howard Beach next month, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently announced.

In partnership with the American Italian Cancer Foundation and New York Community Bank, Addabbo will be hosting a free mammogram screening at the NYCB Howard Beach branch located at 156-02 Cross Bay Blvd., on Friday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Getting a mammogram is vitally important to women’s health as they age,” Addabbo said. “That is why I am bringing this service for my constituents, free of charge. Whether it’s getting a clean bill of health or discovering early detection, mammograms are a crucial

health exam and I hope women will sign up for this service.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, after skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with the disease is steadily declining, the clinic noted, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment, and a better understanding of the disease.

To register for an appointment, call Addabbo’s Howard Beach district office at (718) 738-1111. Once registered, the American Italian Cancer Foundation will reach out to you to set up a specific appointment time for Nov. 2.

Celebrating Italian American Woman

Joseph Sciame and Queens BP Melinda Katz flank Julia Previto in a very proud moment.

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz joined Joseph Sciame, Vice President for Community Relations at St. John’s University, in presenting a Citation of Honor to former P.S. 146 principal Julia Previto during the October 22nd Italian Heritage and Culture celebration that the Borough President co-sponsored with St. John’s and the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee of New York. Ms. Previto was one of the outstanding Italian American women

Photo Courtesy

honored during the event, the theme of which was “Italian Women in America: Breaking Barriers… From Ellis Island to the Present.”

Also honored were AntonettaBinanti, owner of Rudy’s Bakery in Ridgewood; restauranteurs Tanya BastianichManuali and Lidia Bastianich andKatiaPasserini, Ph.D., scholar of management information systems and dean of the College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University.

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Area Residents Donate Supplies to Hurricane Ravaged Carolina Communities Following a two-week district donation drive, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently shipped 11 boxes of much-needed supplies to North Carolina to help State Sen. Bill Rabon (R-Southport) and his constituents recover from Hurricane Florence.

Rabon’s 8th Senatorial District— Brunswick, Bladen, New Hanover, and Pender counties—in particular was pummeled by the storm. His own home and veterinary office were completely destroyed.

“Our local communities really came through to help out those in need after Hurricane Florence ravaged parts of North Carolina,” Addabbo said. “It was inspiring to see so many of my constituents drop off supplies. It was great that we were able to pay forward the help that we received from all over after we were hit by Superstorm Sandy. I truly want to thank everyone who donated.”

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 43 OCTOBER 25, 2018 | 5

EDITORIAL JUST SAY NO Lawrence Byrne recently completed what has to be a gut-wrenching task—albeit one that he feels dutybound to perform every few years.

A retired City Police Department deputy commissioner, Byrne also is the older brother of one of Gotham’s greatest heroes: Police Officer Edward Byrne.

In the early morning hours of Feb. 26, 1988, Eddie Byrne gave up everything for this borough and this city.

A rookie cop just seven months out of the academy, and five days after marking his 22nd birthday, Byrne was summarily executed as he sat in his marked radio motor patrol car at 107th Avenue and Inwood Street in Jamaica, guarding the home of a critical witness in a major drug case.

The four killers that were convicted of the assassination—Philip Copeland, Todd Scott, Scott Cobb, and David McClary—were members of a drug gang that had been instructed to kill a police officer.

“Ice a cop,” drug kingpin Howard “Pappy” Mason bellowed.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., Scott knocked on the passenger-side window of Byrne’s car to distract him

as McClary—who literally drew the short straw when the four were trying to decide who would actually pull the trigger—opened fire just outside the driver’s side window. Byrne was shot five times in the head.

McClary, Cobb, Scott and Copeland, who shared $8,000 for the savage act, bragged to others about their crime which led to their arrest a few days

LEGALLY SPEAKING As an attorney who has practiced in the field of Workers’ Compensation for more than 28 years, I have seen many changes in how the system treats injured workers. During this age of progressiveness in New York, when the minimum wage has increased and the requirement for paid sick leave has been implemented, it only stands to reason that injured workers would be treated with dignity during their quest to obtain monetary benefits for their lost time and obtain the medical treatment necessary during their recovery.

Unfortunately, however, there has been a nationwide focus on Workers’ Compensation reform with the emphasis on cost savings, often at the expense of the injured worker. New York State has followed along in this national trend; therefore, it is even more imperative to know what to do in the event of a workrelated injury or illness. Injured workers must notify their employer immediately – preferably in writing if possible – within 30 days and file their claim with the New

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.

York State Workers’ Compensation Board within two years of the date of an accident or onset of an illness.

Additionally, finding the right doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make during this particularly rough time. After you are injured, you obviously must seek immediate medical attention before you do anything else.

Don’t wait or assume your injury is going to heal, because if you are unable to work, benefits will not be payable until the date of the first medical treatment. You might need to go to the hospital if your injury is an emergency or life threatening, but in most cases you should be able to visit your physician. Either way, be sure you notify the medical professional that you are being treated for a work-related injury as any treatment should be billed through Workers’ Compensation. It is important that your treating physician be coded to practice before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board because of the medical evidence necessary to proceed with a claim, the myriad of forms they are

6 OCTOBER 25, 2018 • Number 43 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

fiends locked up. He also pens his own deeply personal victim impact statement for the board. It’s a grim tradition of sorts, but he knows that he has to be his family’s representative before the panel, before whichever animal is up for parole—if only to make sure they stay put.

“What I did last night is watch again the videotaped post arrest statements the defendants made and hear them talking about laughing when they see Eddie’s brains coming out of his head,” Byrne told the New York Daily News in October 2016. “That only strengthens my resolve to make sure that these guys never get out of jail.”

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—as many times as we must: You can’t kill cops. Period. If you do, you later. Each was sentenced to 25 years to should be stripped of your freedom for the rest of your natural days on earth. life in prison.

On Feb. 26, 1988, Philip Copeland, And so, last week, just as he has Todd Scott, Scott Cobb, and David Mcdone every few years for the past Clary consciously gave up their right to decade-plus, Lawrence Byrne compiled freedom.

No panel should be permitted letters from cops, retired gumshoes, to even think about setting any one of judges, elected officials, and family them free. members of officers who also made Lock them up. Throw away the key. the ultimate sacrifice, imploring New Some animals don’t deserve to be York’s Parole Board to keep the four let out of their cages. Ever.

required to file, and the possibility of their testimony in the future.

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board has implemented medical treatment guidelines for injuries to the back, neck, shoulder, knees, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Medical providers must comply with these guidelines in their treatment of injured workers, which have a number of treatments or tests that are preauthorized based upon certain findings. If the modality of treatment is not included in the guidelines, a variance may be requested. There are different forms for different requests and different timelines in which to file. A doctor not coded in Workers’ Compensation or inexperienced in this procedure could prevent you from receiving proper or timely treatment.

Payments made for lost time are based upon the earnings of the injured worker, as well as the overall degree of disability.

The degree of disability is based upon the medical evidence submitted by the injured worker’s treating doctor, as well as

the opinion of the insurance company’s consultant. Many times these opinions are at odds and medical testimony is necessary so the law judge can make an informed decision. Doctors who are coded understand the procedure and the necessity of being available to testify on your behalf at these medical depositions. The insurance carrier will question the doctor on whether he or she is coded, which may impact the judge’s perception as to a doctor’s credibility regarding treatment guidelines, degree of disability, or earning capacity. Ultimately, the length of time and the amount of weekly benefits an injured worker is entitled to receive benefits once permanency is determined by a law judge is based on a finding of loss of earning capacity. In many cases, there can be a difference in years.

Nothing is better than finding a doctor who is competent, empathetic, and an expert in his area of specialty, but finding one with all of these qualities who is also knowledgeable in Workers’ Compensation is invaluable.

Borough Man Nabbed in Bust of Staten Island-Based Cigarette Trafficking Ring

By Forum Staff An Ozone Park man has been indicted for his alleged role in trafficking nearly 4 million untaxed cigarettes from Virginia to Staten Island for distribution and resale, and evading more than $1.3 million in city and state taxes, State Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced on Monday.

Hansraj Deonarain, 42, was one of seven men arraigned on Monday on a 79-count indictment charging them with first-degree criminal tax fraud, second-degree criminal tax fraud, second-degree money laundering, and fourth-degree conspiracy, among other offenses. According to court records, bail for Deonarain was set at $7,500 cash, $15,000 bond. As of Wednesday afternoon, he remained in custody in the Brooklyn Detention Complex.

The indictment charges a total of 12 defendants. The indictments against the other five defendants not present at arraignment remain sealed, Underwood said.

Code-named “Operation Virginia Slims,” the AG’s joint investigation with the City Police

Photo Courtesy of Google

The ring’s transporter allegedly procured cigarettes two to three times per week from Atlantic Dominion Distributors in Virginia Beach, VA.

Department implemented courtauthorized wiretapping, GPS tracking, covert cameras, and undercover work to uncover an operation that was allegedly evading stae and city excise and sales taxes by trafficking approximately 740 cartons of untaxed cigarettes per week from Virginia to New York City. It is alleged that a total of approximately

3,977,400 cigarettes were trafficked into Staten Island, evading a total of $1,332,344 in tax liability due to the State and City, Underwood noted.

Brothers Iyas Leqyanya, 43, and Ihab Jaber, 48, of Staten Island, allegedly directed the operation’s transporter to procure cigarettes two to three times per week from Atlantic Dominion Distributors

in Virginia Beach, VA, and transport them to Staten Island. Once the transporter delivered the untaxed cigarettes, they were allegedly stashed in Leqyanya and Jaber’s Manor Heights residence. Leqyanya, Jaber, and another defendant then allegedly distributed and resold the untaxed cigarettes to retail shops in Queens and Staten Island.

On March 6, law enforcement executed search warrants at seven stash locations in both Staten Island and Onley, VA. Hundreds of cartons of untaxed cigarettes, approximately $20,000 in illicit proceeds, and Atlantic Dominion Distributor invoices – which detailed the scope of the operation – were seized, Underwood said.

On Aug. 16, Leqyanya, Jaber, and a co-conspirator were charged on an initial indictment with possession or transport for the purpose of sale of 30,000 or more unstamped cigarettes. On Aug. 22, Leqyanya and Jaber were arraigned in Richmond County Supreme Court. The brothers were each ordered held on $350,000 bail.

“As alleged in our indictment, the defendants engaged in a massive cigarette trafficking ring and evaded huge amounts of New York taxes,” the attorney general added.

“These crime rings cheat New Yorkers, and my office will continue to partner with law enforcement agencies to crack down on those that try to skirt the law.”

Deonarain’s next court date is Nov. 9.

Hero Queens Cop’s Brother Opposes Parole for Four Assassins

By Michael V. Cusenza

The brother of a hero Queens cop who was assassinated on duty 30 years ago has once again voiced his opposition to parole for the four assailants.

Former City Police Department deputy commissioner for Legal Matters, Lawrence Byrne, delivered on Friday a victim’s impact statement clearly expressing his family’s opinion that David McClary, Scott Cobb, Todd Scott and Phillip Copeland, who were convicted of killing his brother, Eddie, should stay locked behind bars.

“The death of Eddie, who was a son and brother, was a devastating blow to our family from which we will never recover,” Lawrence wrote. “As a lawyer, I believe in the rule of law and how the law changes with the times. These cold-blooded killers only have the right to seek parole because they were convicted before life without parole was instituted for killing a police officer in New York State. Society today believes that anyone who intentionally kills a police officer should be sentenced to life without parole. So did the judge who sentenced them. McClary, Cobb, Scott and Copeland certainly deserve no better than they would have received today. Getting old in prison doesn’t absolve you of responsibility or punishment for your crime. Denying them parole would be in keeping the wishes of society and the sentencing judge and with the spirit of the today’s law that recognizes that copkillers should never be granted parole.”

File Photo

Police Officer Eddie Byrne was killed in Jamaica on Feb. 26, 1988.

Eddie Byrne, a rookie City cop just seven months out of the academy and assigned to the 103rd Precinct, was executed on Feb. 26, 1988, as he sat in his marked radio motor patrol car at 107th Avenue and Inwood Street in Jamaica, guarding the home of a critical witness in a major drug case whose home was previously firebombed to discourage him from testifying. The four assassins were members of a drug gang that had been ordered by kingpin Howard “Pappy” Mason to kill a police officer.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., one of the men knocked on the passenger-side window of Byrne’s car to distract him as a second man opened fire just outside the driver’s side window. Byrne was shot five times in the head. He was 22.

McClary, Cobb, Scott and Copeland shared $8,000 for the murder bragged to others about their crime which led to their arrest a few days later. Each was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

“Anyone who would so casually kill a police officer would not hesitate to pull the trigger on a civilian. To grant them parole would be a gross abuse of discretion by the sitting parole board,” said Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch. “To prevent the possibility of that abuse from occurring in the future, NY State must pass legislation that will govern by statue the parameters for granting parole. The right to make those policies has to be taken out of the hands of prisoner advocates and must be codified in law. There is a place for parole for low-level crimes, but never in the case of cop-killers.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 43 OCTOBER 25, 2018 | 7

NY Sends More Money to Washington Than it Gets Back: DiNapoli

By Forum Staff

The Empire State sent an estimated $24.1 billion more in tax payments to Washington, D.C. than it got back in federal spending in Fiscal Year 2017, getting back 90 cents for every dollar, according to a recently released report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

The analysis shows federal spending in New York during FY 2017 totaled $225.7 billion while the State sent Washington nearly $250 billion. Federal spending in New York included $140.5 billion in direct payments for individuals through programs such as Social Security and Medicare; $66.5 billion in grants; $11 billion in procurements; and $7.4 billion in wages and salaries.

While New York received 10 cents less per dollar of taxes, most states received more than they paid. The average return for all states was $1.19 per tax dollar sent to Washington. New York’s per capita contribution to the Federal Treasury, $12,588, was the fourth highest among the states, DiNapoli noted.

According to the report: • New York’s contribution for social insurance taxes, including those for Social Security and unemployment insurance, at $4,094 per capita, was 15.5 percent above the national average of $3,543, ranking it

“New Yorkers deserve to be treated more fairly in the federal budget,” Comptroller DiNapoli said.

10th among all states.

• Corporate income taxes made up 9.5 percent of total federal tax receipts in FY 2017. Per capita corporate income taxes for New York were $1,213, or $301 higher than the national level of $912, placing New York third among all states.

File Photo

• Federal grants to state and local governments totaled $669 billion in 2017, with Medicaid, the largest of these programs, at 55.7 percent of the total. New York ranked second among the states, at $3,350 per capita, 63 percent above the national average, largely because of Medicaid, and

other safety net grants. Federal aid makes up more than a third of New York’s current state budget.

• The federal government spent $473.7 billion in FY 2017 for procurement in the 50 states and Washington, D.C. The Department of Defense was the source of 63 percent of such spending. With $574 in per-capita procurement spending, about 40 percent of the national average, New York ranked 41st among the states. Defense spending was $307 per person in New York, compared to a national average of $916.

• Spending on federal employee wages and salaries throughout the nation totaled $256.7 billion. New York’s share was slightly less than 3 percent of the national total. This included $5.1 billion for civilian pay ($258 per capita) and $2.2 billion for military pay ($113 per capita). Overall, per capita expenditures in New York for wages and salaries, $371, were almost 53 percent below the national level and ranked New York 42nd among all states.

“New York gives more than it gets back from Washington and threats to cut federal funding for health care and other programs could tip the balance even further,” DiNapoli added. “The State relies on the federal government for a third of its annual budget, but the imbalance of tax dollars remains.

New Yorkers deserve to be treated more fairly in the federal budget.”

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Phone: 718-738-6721 • Fax: 718-846-7755 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 43 OCTOBER 25, 2018 | 9

Ulrich Urges DOT to Install Speed Cameras near PS 207

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

STAYING WARM

A challenge for thyroid patients

The area near PS 207 in Howard Beach features plenty of vehicular traffic.

By Michael V. Cusenza City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) recently called on the City Department of Transportation to install speed cameras near PS 207 in Howard Beach.

In a letter to DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Ulrich urged the agency to expedite a study of the area and take the appropriate measures to include the Rockwood Park school on the list of protected zones.

“It has been proven these speed cameras deter drivers from accelerating down busy school streets and create a safer environment—not just for our children, but for the entire community,” Ulrich wrote. “The area near PS 207 in Howard Beach is particularly high-traffic. There are 725 students are enrolled at the school, many of whom walk to school or are met with the commotion of early morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.”

Photo Courtesy of Google

In September, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Intro. 1089, which preserves and expands the use of speed cameras near schools where speeding is a consistent issue. The law was immediately enforced at 140 schools where speed cameras previously existed. The City will be expanding the use of speed cameras to an additional 150 schools, bringing the total number of protected schools to 290.

“In far too many instances, the City does not investigate hazardous conditions until it is too late,” Ulrich said. “It is imperative that we proactively take the steps needed to achieve the City’s Vision Zero goal before a tragedy occurs.”

On Tuesday, a DOT spokesperson told The Forum, “We thank Council Member Ulrich for supporting speed cameras. DOT is currently in process of procuring new cameras and using speed and crash data to prioritize locations for expansion.”

Grumbling about the cold won’t make it go away, and for some people, those dealing with thyroid conditions, the winter can be especially taxing.

We’ve put together some tips for those of you with thyroid conditions and how to survive the winter in a little more comfort.

The thyroid gland is like a thermostat for our bodies. People with a sluggish thyroid are prone to having low body temperature and are prone to cold intolerance. If your thyroid function is low, you need to take some precautions to protect your health.

Strategies for warming up and giving your thyroid a break: Get plenty of rest.

Keep your home temperature warm.

If you happen to have a landlord that is stingy with the heat, getting a note from your doctor may provide some prodding. If you do need to go out into the cold, dress in layers.

Hot baths are a nice way to get yourself warm without making your thyroid do all the work!

If you can’t make it to your local pharmacy to buy a heating pad, try filling an old sturdy sock with rice. Make sure you tie the end securely and then heat it in the microwave for two minutes—just be careful that it’s not too

hot when applying it to your body!

Soaking your feet in hot water for 5-10 minutes will warm up the rest of your body.

Cuddling and holding hands with your significant other or your pets can help you get through the cold. Spouses and pets are will share their heat with you for back and belly rubs. Did you know that the saying “Three Dog Night” is thought to originate from Eskimos who would keep dogs in their igloos to help them warm up on particularly cold nights!

Balancing your blood sugar will help you stay warm. Be sure to eat high quality fats and proteins every few hours and limit sugary and starchy foods.

Foods known as thermogenic can increase the metabolism. Some common spices in this category are: chili, mustard, red pepper, black pepper and red hot chili peppers.

Don’t leave friends and family “out in the cold,” let them know you need a little more heat than the average bear.

Remember, people with thyroid conditions are more likely to experience the "Winter Blues".

Until next week...

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NYPD Spotlights Defect in Some Body-Worn Cameras

By Michael V. Cusenza City Police Department officials have suspended the distribution and use of a certain model body-worn camera after one of them exploded inside a precinct stationhouse on Saturday.

According to an NYPD spokesperson, a cop retrieved a Vievu LE-5 body-cam for deployment on the Saturday midnight tour and noticed there was smoke emitting from the bottom portal. After the officer removed Photo Courtesy of Edwin Torres/Mayoral Photography Office it, the device exploded. There were no injuMayor de Blasio unveiled the new body-worn cameras in April 2017. ries sustained. The incident revealed a po-

tential for the battery inside the camera to ignite. The cause and scope of the defect are currently being investigated, officials said on Sunday.

All officers assigned LE-5 cameras were instructed to immediately remove them and bring them back to their commands. The department is in the process of collecting and removing the LE-5 cameras from all commands.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our officers, and equipping the NYPD with the best equipment is a paramount priority,” the spokesperson said.

Jury Selection begins in Vetrano Case

By Michael V. Cusenza Jury selection for the trial of the man accused of murdering Howard Beach jogger Karina Vetrano is set to commence this Monday, Oct. 29.

Chanel Lewis, 22, sexually abused and strangled Vetrano, 30, on the night of Aug. 2, 2016, as she jogged in Spring Creek Park near her home, according to prosecutors. The East New York man was arrested in February 2017 and formally indicted two months later.

Lewis appeared in court on Thursday to hear Judge Michael Aloise’s ruling that the record of Lewis’s trip to a Brooklyn emergency room the day after the murder could be presented as evidence to the jury, according to the New York Daily News. On Aug. 3, 2016, Lewis’s father, Richard, accompanied Victim Karina Vetrano his son to the SUNY Downstate Medical Center ER “for inju10 OCTOBER 25, 2018 • Number 43 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

File Photo

ries he claimed he suffered at the hands of a gang of muggers,” his dad told the News.

Lewis’s DNA was found in skin cells under Vetrano’s fingernails. Police and prosecutors have said that the jogger, who was also savagely beaten, fought ferociously for her life prior to being strangled to death.

In another ruling on Thursday, Aloise denied the Queens District Attorney’s request for Lewis’s cell phone records for Aug. 3, 2016.

Vetrano was an avid jogger and fitness enthusiast who often ran with her father, Philip, in Howard Beach. However, on the night of her death she jogged alone. Vetrano’s body was discovered by her father and the police lying in a marshy area approximately 15 feet from a trail near 161st Avenue and 78th Street in the park.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 43 OCTOBER 25, 2018 | 11

Borough Success Story Charles Wang Dies at 74

By Michael V. Cusenza Charles Wang, a tech entrepreneur, former majority owner of the New York Islanders, and philanthropist, died on Sunday in Oyster Bay, L.I. He was 74.

Wang was born in Shanghai, China. His family immigrated to Queens when he was 8 years old. Wang attended Brooklyn Tech High School and earned a bachelor of science degree from Queens College.

According to Queens College President Feliz Matos Rodriguez, Wang visited the campus this past year to talk to computer science students as part of the school’s Professionals on Campus Series.

“Our condolences are extended to his beloved family on their untimely loss, along with our deepest pride and appreciation in recognizing his many contributions to knowledge and to our greater society,” Matos Rodriguez said.

After starting Computer Associates International, Inc., in 1976 with fellow Queens College alumnus Russell Artzt, Wang became known as one of the most successful leaders in the technology field over the past four decades, according to the Islanders public relations staff. His two books, Technovision (1994) and Technovision II (1997), became leading guides for businesses seeking to parallel their organizational and technology goals. He continued his commitment to technological advancement and has been instrumental in the de-

Charles. Most importantly, we’ve all lost a great friend. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Nancy and children Kimberly, Jasmine, and Cameron.”

Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky added, “We are heartbroken by the news of Charles Wang’s passing. New York Islanders co-owners Dewey Shay, Scott Malkin and I were privileged to be selected by Charles to be his partners in the team. Charles loved the Islanders unconditionally. The arena at Belmont Park will be just one of his many legacies left to the team and to Long Island. His unique personality, his wonderful sense of humor and his extraordinary wisdom Photo Courtesy of NHL will be greatly missed.”

Former New York Islanders owner Charles Wang.

His success in the business world, as well as the sports world, allowed Wang to support many charitable foundavelopment and growth of several technology companies in tions. Among those was the expansion of the Charles B. the United States and China.

Wang Community Health Center in New York City, which In 2000, with the Isles facing an uncertain future, Wang offers primary care, women’s health, pediatrics, dental, health was asked to purchase the team. He quickly agreed to do so, in education and mental health services to the Flushing and recognition of the team’s importance to Long Island, despite Chinatown communities. He made a contribution to the Nahaving previously attended only one hockey game. He was tional Center for Missing and Exploited Children to establish the majority owner until 2016, when he became a minority the Charles B. Wang International Children’s Building, which co-owner. serves as the organization’s headquarters in Alexandria, VA. “Charles Wang was a great man,” Islanders President and Wang’s gift of more than $50 million to Stony Brook UniverGeneral Manager Lou Lamoriello said. “He always spoke of sity to construct the Charles B. Wang Center was the largest his love for the Long Island community and the passionate private gift in the history of the State University of New York. fan base. Long Island would not have a team if it were not for The Center celebrates Asian and American cultures.

NY AG:Fight Opioid Crisis with Drug Take Back Day According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, four out of five new heroin users start out by misusing prescription drugs; and according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

DON'T SWEAT IT!

Photo Courtesy of DEA

Visit clearyourcabinet.com to find out where you can safely dispose of unused prescription medication on Saturday, Oct. 27.

In coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the State Department of Help fight the opioid crisis by safely dispos- Environmental Conservation, law enforcement ing of unused prescription drugs this Saturday agencies, national and community pharmacies, during National Prescription Drug Take Back non-profits, and other institutions across New Day, State Attorney General Barbara Under- York will be hosting safe drop-off sites for New Yorkers to bring unused medication this Saturwood said on Monday.

According to the AG, Clear Your Cabinet day, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Disposal of unused prescriptions and overis a statewide initiative launched in April dedicated to helping New Yorkers take one of the the-counter medication at these locations is nosimplest steps to prevent addiction by safely questions-asked and free. New Yorkers cannot disposing of their unused drugs at drop-off sites bring illegal drugs or needles and sharps. As a around the Empire State. Clear Your Cabinet last resort, for communities without a safe disgives residents new tools to find their nearest posal site nearby, the DEC recommends mixing drop-off locations and request email or text- medications (do not crush tablets or capsules) message reminders to go and dispose of their with water and then adding salt, ashes, dirt, cat unused medication. The AG’s office recom- litter, coffee grounds, or another undesirable mends that New Yorkers call to confirm the substance, to avoid accidental or intentional misuse of drugs. To prevent unintentional conparticipation of all drop-off sites.

“We can all play a role in curbing the opioid sumption by scavenging humans, pets, or wildcrisis in New York and across the country,” Un- life, do not conceal discarded drugs in food.

According to Underwood, during the last derwood said. “I’m asking every New Yorker to take a look at their medicine cabinet, identify National Prescription Drug Take Back Day any unused prescription drugs, and then visit in April 2018, 474.5 tons of unused medicaclearyourcabinet.com to find out where you tion were collected across the country. Nearly 40,000 pounds of unused medication were colcan safely dispose of them this Saturday.”

The website, clearyourcabinet.com, was lected in New York alone; that’s heavier than built through a collaboration with volunteers the combined weight of six heavy-duty pickup from some of New York’s leading tech startups, trucks. By comparison, the largest criminal beginning with a hackathon on the opioid cri- drug bust in the history of the New York Atsis hosted by the Attorney General’s Office in torney General's Office took approximately 70 pounds of heroin and fentanyl off the street.

March 2018.

12 OCTOBER 25, 2018 • Number 43 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

According to the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, there were 1,487 confirmed drug overdose deaths in 2017 in the five boroughs; nearly three quarters of all the overdose deaths involved heroin and/or fentanyl.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 43 OCTOBER 25, 2018 | 13

VJC RESOURCES LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/31/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Vilma J Cruz, 5945 48th Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of THE CANDIDATES FILM LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/30/16.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Dr., Ste. 1-086, Buffalo, NY 14221, regd. agent upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

PONOKEFALOS TAXI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/31/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: John Giovanis, 33-21 21 Street, Astoria, NY 11106. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Qualification of Peter Speliopoulos Projects, LLC. App. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/26/18. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 9/18/18. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, c/o Jennifer W. Brown, Esq., 1133 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10036. DE address of LLC: c/o Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any purposes permitted by applicable law.

Legal-Notices Notice of Formation of 1182 Developer LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/10/18. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o The Bluestone Organization, 90-11 160th St., Ste. 100, Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: any lawful activity.

218-11 REALTY, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/19/16. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents Inc 7014 13th Ave Ste. 202 Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

OCCHIO VIVO LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/03/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 148-29 Cross Island Pkwy, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

B & A FAMILY HOLDING LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/24/18.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LLC, 147-23 JEWEL AVE., FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUNNYSIDE MEDICAL OF NEW YORK LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 8/06/18. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of PLLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Corporate Creations Network Inc 15 North Mill ST Nyack, NY 10960.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

ARIS 553 SACKETT LLC (the “LLC”) filed Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of New York (“SSNY”) on 8/8/18. LLC office location: Queens County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served to LLC, c/o Aris Realty Corp., 31-87 Steinway Street, Suite 5, Astoria, New York 11103. Purpose: any lawful activity.

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

WISE APP, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/13/18. Office: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the ALYSHA C. PRESTON, 4610 CENTER BLVD., APT 2315, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11109. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

B & A FAMILY HOLDING LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/24/18.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LLC, 147-23 JEWEL AVE., FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUNNYSIDE MEDICAL OF NEW YORK LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 8/06/18. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of PLLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Corporate Creations Network Inc 15 North Mill ST Nyack, NY 10960. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SUN TZU STRATEGY GROUP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/24/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the SUN TZU STRATEGY GROUP LLC, 5253 79TH ST. FL 2, ELMHURST, NY 11373.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ROSEHAMMER, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/06/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: MIKE HAMERSKY, 25-34 34TH STREET, APR. 2R, ASTORIA, NY 11103. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of CLEANOLOGY MAINTENANCE LLC Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/23/2018. Office location: Queens County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LLC, 75-06 197TH STREET, FRESH MEADOWS, NY 11366 . Purpose: any lawful activity.

For the best prices and service on yOur legal notices call THE FORUM 718-834-3221 14 OCTOBER 25, 2018 • Number 43 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Notice of formation of FRIENDS TEAM REALTY LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/08/2018. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has being designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to, SYED N ALAM, 121-08 LIBERTY AVE, RICHMOND HILL, NY. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 1562 DEKALB CONSTRUCTION LLC Arts of Org filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/16/2017. Office location: QUEENS County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to principal business address: 111-23 JAMAICA AVENUE, 1ST FLOOR, RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 20th day of September, 2018, bearing Index No. 000802/18/ QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435 grants me the right to assume the name of STEPHANIE GEORGE. My present address is SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY. The month and date of birth are may2018.

The place of my birth is QUEENS, NY. My present name is STANLEY GEORGE (infant)

ELEONAS TAXI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/11/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: John Giovanis, 33-21 21 Street, Astoria, NY 11106. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 20th day of September, 2018, bearing Index No. 000804/18/ QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, New York, 11435 grants me the right to assume the name of JOSEPH MARIN. My present address is RICHMOND HILL, NY. The month and date of birth are DECEMBER 1984. The place of my birth is FAJARDO, PUERTO RICO. My present name is JOSE GUILLERMO MARIN aka JOSE G. MARIN DIAZ

RKRC LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/06/18. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 163-43 99th Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of MURRAY'S LIC LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/15/18. Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 2519 Borden Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207, regd. agent upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LATHOS TAXI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/11/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: John Giovanis, 33-21 21 Street, Astoria, NY 11106. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 43 OCTOBER 25, 2018 | 15

PRESENTED BY ALMONTE'S KEY FOOD FRESH OF HOWARD BEACH

BROUGHT TO YOU BAY

Russo’s On The Bay Elegant Thanksgiving Dinner Serves 12 -15 People

$239 plus Tax • Whole 16 - 18lb. Butterball Turkey roasted to perfection with fresh herbs and seasoning • 1/2 Tray Vegetable and Bread Stuffing • 1/2 Tray Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows • 1/2 Tray Russo’s Salad • 1/2 Tray Sautéed String Beans and Onions OR Broccoli Oreganate • 1/2 Tray Baked Ziti • Choice of ONE Homemade Pie from Russo’s Award Winning Bakery Apple OR Pumpkin • Homemade Cranberry Sauce • Additional items available at a la carte price.

• See order form.

Limited Quantities!

Will Sell Out! Deadline Sunday Nov. 18th.

12 NOON DELIVERED COLD W/HEATING INSTRUCTIONS THANKSGIVING MORNING

Russo’s On The Bay Butterball Thanksgiving Package

$99 plus tax • Whole 16 -18lb. Butterball Turkey roasted to perfection with fresh herbs and seasoningserved with Homemade Turkey Gravy

We gladly accept phone orders!

718-835-4900

ALMONTE'S KEY FOOD 163-30 CROSSBAY BLVD HOWARD BEACH NY 11414 PHONE: 718-835-4900 FAX: 718-835-4902 STORE HOURS 7 AM -10 PM

16 OCTOBER 25, 2018 • Number 43 VOL. 17 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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SAVE $5.00 ON YOUR ADD'L $75.00 PURCHASE!