THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | NOVEMBER 22, 2018

VOL. 17 • NUMBER 47 • NOVEMBER 22, 2018

MISTRIAL

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Murder Case Ends in Hung Jury After a day and a half of deliberations, the judge presiding over the case against Chanel Lewis (far l.), the Brooklyn man accused of slaying Howard Beach jogger Karina Vetrano, declared a mistrial due to a hung jury late Tuesday night. “We feel that we have exhausted all of our options,” the jury wrote in a note to Judge Michael Aloise.

Photo Courtesy of FDNY

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 47 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 | 1

Mayor Fires Department of Investigation

By Michael V. Cusenza In a controversial and unprecedented move, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday fired City Department of Investigations Commissioner Mark Peters.

It’s the first time in Gotham history that a mayor has given the pink slip to the City’s inspector general.

“What we’ve found is that the underlying problem was unprecedented,” de Blasio said on Monday on “Inside City Hall” on Spectrum News NY 1. “We’ve never had a DOI commissioner who had whistleblower complaints against him. The DOI commissioner is supposed to be the paragon of integrity in city government. So when three whistleblower complaints came forward, directed at the DOI commissioner personally, literally no one could find a precedent for what to do in that situation.”

Former DOI Commissioner Mark Peters was fired on Friday.

Hizzoner went on to say that “abusive behavior toward employees, towards agencies had become the norm” for Peters.

“This is extreme stuff you wouldn’t expect from any com-

missioner, particularly not a DOI commissioner,” de Blasio added.

Peters fired back at City Hall in a scathing letter to the City Council, claiming that the mayor got rid of him because he wouldn’t march

Reputed Mob Associates Indicted for Arson, Extortion

The victim’s vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire.

By Michael V. Cusenza An indictment was unsealed on Friday in Brooklyn federal court charging two Howard Beach men with setting fire to a victim’s car to induce a protection payment to a captain in the Gambino Organized Crime Family, according to federal prosecutors.

Reputed Gambino associates Jonathan Gurino and Peter Tuccio, both 25, were arraigned on Friday afternoon on the indictment charging them with arson and arson conspiracy, extortion and extortion conspiracy, and using fire to commit a felony. Each was released on bond in the amount of $700,000 with home confinement as a condition of release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadia Moore had argued for detention becauseGurino and Tuccio are accused of crimes of violence and they face significant jail time if convicted.

Moore also noted that a witness to the arson had found a dead rat placed on her car.

According to court filings, a Gambino family captain had been extorting a Howard Beach businessman “of hundreds of dollars

Photo Courtesy of the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s Office

per year for many years.” However, during 2015, the businessman began dodging the mobster to avoid making payments.

On Dec. 3, 2015, Tuccio, Gurino and Gino Gabrielli observed the businessman leave a smoke shop in Howard Beach. After driving away from the shop, the man noticed that a dark-colored SUV was following him. In an attempt to evade the SUV, the man drove quickly through the streets of South Queens, running stop signs and stoplights in an attempt to get away. Eventually, he parked and ran inside Sofia’s Pizzeria in South Ozone Park.

Later that night, the businessman heard a loud noise and saw that his car was on fire.

Shortly thereafter, the businessman paid the Gambino captain. As detailed in court filings, the businessman’s home security video system had recorded Gabrielli pouring a substance on the man’s Mercedes, the car erupting in flames, and Gabrielli running away with his pant leg on fire. Gabrielli and Tuccio eventually were caught on surveillance video entering Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Gabrielli pleaded guilty to arson in 2016.

2 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • Number 47 VOL. 18 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

a duty of loyalty to the mayor rather than to the city as a whole and that my actions, in exposing waste, fraud or abuse in city agencies . . . are improper and justify retribution,” Peters wrote, according to a New York Post report.

De Blasio meanwhile has nominated Margaret Garnett to serve as the next DOI commissioner. Garnett currently serves as executive deputy attorney general for Criminal Justice in the Office of the State Attorney General.

De Blasio has caught plenty of heat for the decision to can Peters.

“Now more than ever we need the Public Advocate to be a check File Photo on the mayor. We need someone who is truly independent and to de Blasio’s orders and keep willing to stand up to the mayor’s damaging reports from ever seeabuse of power,” Councilman Eric ing the light of day.

Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) tweeted.

“These incidents demonstrate a pattern in which the mayor and his senior staff believe that I owe

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Council Unanimously Approves Ulrich Bills Aimed at Creating City Resources and Services for Veterans

By Forum Staff The City Council recently passed, via unanimous vote, a package of legislation sponsored

by Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) that aims to address the unique issues facing city veterans, including the creation of resource centers that provide counseling services.

“As we take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices, it is my hope that these bills serve as a small token of appreciation for the brave men and women who call New York City home,” Ulrich said.

Introduction 391-A would require the City Department of Veterans’ Services to provide benefits counseling services to veterans seeking assistance with federal, state, and city benefits that they may be entitled to based on their military service. The counseling services would dispense information, evaluation, and advice, but would not replace claims services provided by veterans’ service providers. DVS would be required to provide such counseling services through trained staff and in at least one location per borough, in-

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Borough President

Councilman Ulrich said that he hopes “that these bills serve as a small token of appreciation for the brave men and women who call New York City home.”

cluding at each veterans resource center.

Introduction 394-A would require DVS to create official veterans resource centers in each borough, no later than June 1, 2019.

The resource centers would be

responsible for providing veterans with free information about, at a minimum, housing, social services, financial assistance, discharge upgrade resources, and veterans benefits. The centers would also provide benefits, counseling

services, and veterans’ resource guides. Additionally, DVS would be required to provide a minimum of 20 hours of in-field and office service to veterans in each borough per week. This bill would require the commissioner of DVS

to establish outreach and educational efforts so that veterans are made aware of these centers.

And Introduction 396-A would require DVS to create a veterans resource guide, to be updated regularly, that will be available on its website and in physical form. The guide would include information such as benefits to veterans and their family members, laws affording special rights and privileges to veterans, protections and remedies given to veterans under the City Human Rights Law, available physical and mental health programs and resources, educational and training opportunities, and available sources of low or no-cost legal assistance.

“I am proud to sponsor these bills, which will make it easier for veterans to gain access to crucial resources. While New York City has made great strides in ending veteran homelessness, many veterans are still finding it difficult to make ends meet,” Ulrich added.“Although it would be impossible to full repay the debt we owe our brave men and women in uniform, I am thrilled to have the support of the City Council.”

Mistrial Declared in Karina Vetrano Murder Case

By Michael V. Cusenza The judge presiding over the case against the man accused of murdering Howard Beach jogger Karina Vetrano declared a mistrial due to a hung jury late Tuesday night after the panel completed its second day of deliberations but ultimately could not produce a finding.

“After deliberating for the entire day we are split. It doesn’t seem like we can make progress. We feel that we have exhausted all of our options,” the jury wrote in a note to Judge Michael Aloise, according to a New York Post report.

Defense attorneys for Chanel Lewis subsequently asked that a mistrial be granted.

“I’m inclined to agree, even though it’s only been a day and a half,” Aloise responded, per the Post. “There were extensive deliberations. They covered issues central to the debate.”

The panel had asked to review several pieces of the Queens District Attorney’s Office’s case as it deliberated, including: autopsy photos; crime scene photos, specifically of the victim’s neck; DNA reports; DNA expert testimony;

Karina Vetrano’s body was discovered the night of Aug. 2, 2016, by her father lying in a marshy area of Spring Creek Park.

tape of Lewis’s confession; Lewis’s phone web searches; Lewis’s and Vetrano’s phone records; and cell phone tower maps, according to a CBS 2 News report.

Vetrano, 30, was jogging alone

File Photo

in Spring CreekPark at approxi- body was discovered by her father tive assistant district attorney for mately 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, later that night lying in a marshy Major Crimes, confirmed that 2016, when she was allegedly con- area, approximately 15 feet from a the DA will move to retry Lewis. fronted by Lewis, 22, who beat, sex- trail near 161st Avenue and 78th He remains in City Department ually assaulted, and strangled her, Street in the notorious green space. of Correction custody. His next according to the charges. Vetrano’s Brad Leventhal, deputy execu- court date is Jan. 22.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 47 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 | 3

Woodside Man Indicted for Killing Girlfriend’s Dog

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second-degree criminal contempt in connection with violating the orders of protecA Woodside man has been indicted on tion issued in the indicted case.

On July 15, Brando’s girlfriend left her animal cruelty charges for the senseless killing of a beloved family dog this past Au- Broad Channel residence late on the afternoon, and left Lavonia, her black and white gust.

Brando Henriquez, 23 is accused of kill- dog, alone in the house. She came home ing the Shih Tzu type dog, belonging to his about a half-hour later to find her boygirlfriend and her family and then dispos- friend alone in the residence and when she ing of the animal’s remains in a nearby park. asked him where the dog was he said that A necropsy revealed that the two and he did not know what happened to the dog one-half year-old animal had four rib frac- and suggested that, perhaps, the dog ran out and escaped. tures due to blunt force trauma.

After four days of searching and putting The heinous actions by Henriquez were exacerbated by the fact that he initially led up lost dog posters, the girlfriend’s mother his girlfriend and her family members to and brother discovered a white plastic garbelieve that the dog had run away, offer- bage bag containing the remains of the dog ing false hopes that their dog could still be in a parking lot several blocks from their home. alive.

Police secured video footage from lo“The defendant…brutally killed a small helpless dog and …for the next four days cations along the route, showing Brando she and family members searched the area leave his girlfriend’s residence with a white and put up missing dog posters in the belief plastic bag containing a lump shortly after that they would find the dog alive… they she had left the residence.

Additional footage depicted him found the dog’s remains….where the decrouching down behind a garbage can as a fendant disposed of them.”

Henriquez was arraigned late last week passerby walks by him and then proceeded before Acting Queens Supreme Court Jus- to run down the block, still holding the tice Barry S. Kron on an indictment charg- white bag, which his girlfriend recognized ing him with aggravated cruelty to animals, as the type and brand she had purchased.

A necropsy was performed by an ASPsecond-degree criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, fourth-degree CA forensic veterinarian, which found grand larceny and overdriving, torturing or that the animal was in an advanced state of decomposition consistent with beinjuring an animal.

The judge ordered $10,000 ing deceased for at least several days and bond/$7,000 cash bail and ordered the de- that the dog had four rib fractures due to fendant to return to court on February 8, blunt force trauma. There was no evidence of healing to the fractures, indicating that 2019.

The defendant was subsequently re-ar- they occurred shortly before or after death.

If convicted, Brando faces up to two rested last week and charged with fourthdegree tampering with a witness and years in prison.

4 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • Number 47 VOL. 18 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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Pol to Host Free Naloxone Training Sessions

By Michael V. Cusenza Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), in conjunction with the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, will host three naloxone training sessions next monthin Ozone Park, Broad Channel, and Far Rockaway, according to her office.

The sessions will teach participants how to recognize, respond to, and reverse an opioid overdose using naloxone. According to the Surgeon General of Photo Courtesy of Consumer the United States, Reports naloxoneis an opi- Naloxoneis used to oid antagonist that temporarily reverse effects of an opioid is used to tempo- the overdose. rarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, namely slowed or stopped breathing.

“Expanding the awareness and availability of this medication is a key part of the public health response to the opioid epidemic.Naloxone is a safe antidote to a suspected overdose and, when given in time, can save a life,” said

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H.“Research shows that when naloxone and overdose education are available to community members, overdose deaths decrease in those communities.”

While the events are free, registration is required. Participants must be 16 years of age or older. For more information or to register, contact Pheffer Amato’s office at (718) 945-9550 or amatos@nyassembly.gov.

“This training program—along with the increased funding provided in the state budget to fight this addiction crisis—will help provide life-saving prevention, treatment and recovery services for local communities here in Queens,” the assemblywoman added.

“I encourage residents to attend.”

The three free naloxone training sessions: • Dec. 6 at the Ozone Park Library, 92-24 Rockaway Blvd.; starting at 6 p.m.

• Dec. 10 at the Broad Channel Library, 16-26 Cross Bay Blvd.; starting at 6 p.m.

• Dec. 17 at the Queens Library for Teens, 2002 Cornaga Ave.; starting at 6 p.m.

Former Queens Commander Tapped to Lead SVD

By Michael V. Cusenza Deputy Chief Judith Harrison, who served as top cop of the 109th and 112th precincts in Queens, has been named commanding officer of the City Police Department’s newly reorganized Special Victims Division.

Harrison joined the NYPD in April 1997. For the past 21 years, she has worked in various assignments while ascending the supervisory ranks, culminating with her promotion to deputy chief last July when she joined the Detective Bureau.

As a precinct executive, Harrison was intimately involved with every crime that was reported to the precinct, including sex crimes, according to the NYPD. She worked closely with all investigative units in the 112th Precinct stationhouse, including Queens Special Victims.

“I’m extremely grateful for this amazing opportunity to serve the department and the great citizens of New York City in this significant leadership role,” Harrison said on Friday. “I look forward to working in partnership with the victims’ advocacy groups and the district attor-

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

Deputy Chief Harrison delivers remarks on Friday after NYPD announces that she will be the commanding officer of the Special Victims Division.

neys as we together serve the citizens of New York City and continue the progress that’s already been made. I will cultivate an environment where survivors of sexual assault know that we are committed to providing survivors with the justice they deserve.”

Harrison’s move to SVD is part of the department’s comprehensive restructuring of the embattled unit.

In April, City lawmakers convened a hearing following an eye-opening Department of Investigation report

which noted that the NYPD has “routinely understaffed and neglected the Special Victims Division, negatively impacting sexual assault investigations.”

The year-long DOI investigation found that the NYPD has understaffed and under-resourced SVD for at least the last nine years, despite recommendations from the NYPD’s own Sex Crimes Working Group in 2010 and consistent warnings raised

by SVD leadership in the years since.

Internal NYPD documents, not previously made public and obtained

by DOI investigators, acknowledge that many sexual assault cases are not properly investigated due to staffing and resource limitations. Interviews with multiple prosecutors confirmed the concern, according to DOI. That same month, the department launched a top-to-bottom review under the new Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea to identify areas

within the SVD that could be improved through a survivor-focused philosophy, starting from the very first interaction and throughout the entire investigative process.

The NYPD indicated that over the last seven months its brass has met with advocates, elected officials and other stakeholders to solicit feedback. The key areas of changes announced on Friday—which have had rolling implementation over the last seven months—include leadership, staffing, policy, training and facilities.

The department has increased total overall staffing in the SVD and decreased the average caseload per SVD detective. Additionally, over the last seven months the NYPD accelerated training for all investigators in SVD. As a result, every detective in SVD has now received full Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview training.

And the agency noted that repairs have been conducted at SVD facilities in all five boroughs to make environments more welcoming.

“We are thoroughly committed to investigating these heinous crimes. If we can get better, we will get better,” Harrison added.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 47 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 | 5

EDITORIAL Even in this age of wars, wildfires, superstorms, terrorism, a deeply divided electorate, corrupt politicians, and frighteningly frequent mass shootings, we find many inspirational actions in our borough communities for which we are abundantly thankful.

We’re thankful for local leaders such as the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic, Stephen Sirgiovanni, and Key Food Howard Beach’s Frank Almonte (picture), who delivered donated turkeys and trimmings, complete with dessert, on Monday to families of domestic violence and congregants at the Calvary Assembly of God Church.

We’re thankful for City Councilman Eric Ulrich for organizing a free Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 22 at Arabella’s Castle in Ozone Park.

“While the holidays are usually happy occasions for many of us, they can be sad or lonely days for others. There are people living in our community who suffer from depression or have nowhere to go on Thursday. I want them to spend Thanksgiving with me,” Ulrich said.

We’re thankful for State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr., and his annual Veterans BBQ, which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.

“Every day should be Veterans Day,” Addabbo often says. We couldn’t agree more.

We’re thankful for Assemblyman Mike Miller and his Thanksgiving Drive to benefit local families. Miller collected

THANKFUL

non-perishable Thanksgiving items at his Woodhaven district office.

“There are many families that need our help and support and I hope we can come together as a community and assist our neighbors,” the assemblyman said.

We’re thankful for Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and the free holiday party she’s hosting for her constituents on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at her Rockaway district office at 95-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd. RSVP at (718) 945-9550.

“The holiday season is a time to come together and be thankful for our blessings. We have much to be grateful for – our friends, our family, and our community. Let us truly embrace the spirit of the season and look forward to the new year with optimism and deter-

From out the open hand of Providence:— The winter clouds and storms—the summer calms— The sleepless dread—the drowse of indolence.

Let us be thankful—thankful for the prayers Whose gracious answers were long, long delayed, That they might fall upon us unawares, And bless us, as in greater need we prayed.

Let us be thankful for the loyal hand That love held out in welcome to mination!” Pheffer Amato said. “As we our own, spend time over the holidays with our When love and only love could unloved ones let’s keep in mind those who derstand are unable to do the same—whether The need of touches we had never they are working to keep us safe over known. the holidays, or serving our country Let us be thankful for the longing overseas.” eyes This Thanksgiving, The Forum family That gave their secret to us as they wishes to leave its faithful community wept, with the words of poet James WhitYet in return found, with a sweet comb Riley. surprise, Let us be thankful—not only beLove’s touch upon their lids, and, cause smiling, slept.

Since last our universal thanks And let us, too, be thankful that the were told tears We have grown greater in the world’s Of sorrow have not all been applause, drained away, And fortune’s newer smiles surpass That through them still, for all the the old— coming years, But thankful for all things that come We may look on the dead face of as alms To-day.

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Cops Hook Serial Mailbox Fisherman

By Michael V. Cusenza Anti-Crime Unit cops working out of the 112th Precinct nabbed a notorious mailbox fisherman in the act in Rego Park earlier this month, according to police and published reports.

Travis Everett, 25, was arraigned on Thursday, Nov. 8, on a criminal complaint charging him with a litany of felonies and misdemeanors, including second-degree criminal possession of stolen property greater than $50,000. As of Wednesday, he remained on Rikers Island with bail set at $20,000 bond/$10,000 cash.

Mailbox fishing is a federal crime in which envelopes containing checks and sensitive docu- Part of the 112th Precinct Anti-Crime team that nabbed Everett. ments are “fished out” of blue curb-

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

side U.S. Postal Service collection boxes by resourceful crooks using a makeshift rod: an adhesive slathered all over a weighted “hook” attached to the end of a string or rope. Perpetrators then cash in at banks or check-cashing establishments through various documentmanipulation methods.

Everett “used a shoelace attached to batteries with duct tape and rat trap glue to ‘go fishing,’” inside a USPS mailbox, according to a report Friday on abc7ny.com.

A subsequent search of his vehicle yielded a staggering 346 stolen checks totaling roughly $400,000.

Postal Service officials have said that the agency is in the process of replacing all NYC curbside collection boxes with newer models designed to deter fishing.

Jamaica Man Convicted of Murder in 2014 Home Invasion

By Forum Staff A Far Rockaway man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the March 2009 rape of a woman with whom he’d previously been in a long-term relationship and in the September 2009 home invasion and sexual assault of the woman’s new boyfriend.

Raymond Gillespie, 45, entered the victim’s home in September, and with the help of accomplices tied up the woman and her boyfriend as they slept. He then carried out a brutal and vicious sexual attack on both victims.

District Attorney Brown explained the nature of the defendant’s actions saying he,

“violently sexually assaulted both his forto be followed by 25 years mer companion and the man whom she post release supervision for started a new relationship with… he will the March 2009 rape and be locked away for the remainder of his 25 years in prison to be follife.” lowed by another 25 years The defendant’s first conviction of post release supervision was overturned based on a judifor the September 2009 cial error during jury delibcriminal sexual act - all to erations. But in a subbe served consecusequent trial last tively– if he is ever month, the defenreleased, he must dant was convicted register as a sex ofof multiple crimes including fender. first-degree rape, first-degree burglary, agCo-defendant Lamont Gough, who was gravated attempted sex abuse and first-de- previously convicted at a separate trial, is gree criminal sex act. currently serving up to 20 years in prison.

Gillespie will serve 25 years in prison In March 2009, the defendant displayed

a gun and raped the female victim in her home. About six months later in September of 2009, the defendant - this time accompanied by Gough and other accomplices–who are not yet in custody - again entered the woman’s Rosedale home in the early morning hours. The woman and her boyfriend were sleeping when their assailants tied them up and forced them to lie face down.

Although Gillespie used a false Jamaican accent his victims recognized his voice. He sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend, burned her boyfriend with lit cigarettes and used a metal rod to sexually violate him.

DNA evidence along with cell phone site records linked Gillespie to the crime.

File Photo

JFK Cabbie to Serve up to Three and a Half Years in Prison after Guilty Plea in Tire Iron Attack of Rival

By Forum Staff A tire iron wielding livery driver will find himself behind bars for up to three years in prison after he launched an unprovoked attack on a fellow driver in March last year.

Nathaneal Santana, 28, of the Bronx attacked the victim at JFK, following a dispute over a fare and threatened to kill the man if he continued to press charges.

“The defendant’s vicious attack left the victim in a great deal of pain and in fear for his safety. The victim suffered lacerations to his head, extensive bleeding and had to receive several staples,” said District Attorney Brown.

“The sentence of the Court is more than warranted.”

Santana plead guilty in September to second-degree assault and third-degree intimidating a witness before Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Barry Kron, who sentenced the defendant to one and a half to three years for

defendant onto the Van Wyck Expressway as he weaved in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed, before finally pulling him over as he neared North Conduit Avenue and 134th Place.

During a search of the defendant’s vehicle, officers recovered the tire iron used to strike the victim. The defendant admitted to using the object to hit Mr. Cruz and defended his actions by saying in sum and substance “I was upset. That was the first thing that came to Photo Courtesy of Google mind.” When asked why he evaded police, the Cops pursued Santana onto the Van Wyck Expressway as he weaved in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed, defendant responded “I know I got into a fight before finally pulling him over as he neared North Conduit Avenue and 134th Place. and should not have run when the cops said to stop. I ran because I thought those guys were contempt. Additionally, the defendant was going to kill you.” The defendant then left the going to jump me.” sentenced to three years in prison on the as- area, only to return a few minutes later, with a The defendant and the victim encountered sault charge - all to be served concurrently. tire iron which he used to strike Cruz repeat- one another again outside Terminal Five at On March 20, 2017, between 8:11p.m. edly on the head and body.

Kennedy Airport on August 7, 2017. At that and 8:20 p.m., the defendant approached the When Port Authority police tried to ap- time, the defendant approached Mr. Cruz and victim Wilkins Cruz, 26, of Yonkers, outside prehend the defendant he jumped into his threatened to “beat and shoot” him, if the victhe Terminal Five arrivals gate and said “ I am car and fled the scene. Officers pursued the tim pursued charges against him.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 47 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 | 7

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Blowing Up the World With a Smile: the Artistry of Nick the Balloonatic

By Patricia Adams He twists and turns all night–while he’s wide awake.

That’s just one of the thousands of ways one could describe the zany, wildly funny, compassionate beyond compare, basically indescribable personality of Howard Beach’s-and the world’s- award winning balloon artist, Nick the Balloonatic.

Since 1968, when he was just 7 years old, he has dedicated his life to finding ways to bring smiles, laughter, fascination and love to people all over the world with his inflatable creations.

As a child, Nick first faced grief when his pet gerbil died. His father took him on the train to Manhattan– headed for a pet store on 34th street. But as they emerged onto the street, they met up with a priest who was giving away tickets to the circus. Nick’s father gave him an option: pet store or circus. Nick chose the circus tickets and when he and his father got inside, there was a clown teaching kids how to make balloon animals.

Nick was the only child who stepped up for the demonstration where he learned to twist and turn pencil balloons into a dog. The rest is history.

Since then, he estimates he has “blown” his way into literally millions of hearts, as kids and adults continue to be amazed at his assemblages of recognizable shapes, animals, faces, and characters, along with furniture, clothing and so much more.

For Nick, balloons are not a business; they are a way of life. Every day involves balloons, sometimes jamming as many as 8-10 events a day into his schedule. Birthday parties, weddings, demonstrations, and charity events and so many more–they are all included and he meets every demand on his time not only with latex but laughter. His arsenal of one-liners and side-splitting stories keep audiences of all ages entertained and losing their breath with laughter.

And this past weekend, he continued to twist and shape his way into more hearts when on Saturday morning he held a show at the Howard Beach library for dozens of local kids and their parents. Spiderman, the Minions, Olaf, Tweedy Bird—in his cage of course— monkey’s, giraffes, dogs, bears, Nick the Balloonatic breathed life into the latex creatures spreading joy in his home town.

The biggest mystery around the

celebrated balloon artist is whether, there is ever a time when the smile fades and the mood is “deflated”. His son Tom Rotundo says that he has only seen his dad lose it, on two occasions. “When his dad was very sick, and when Hurricane Sandy hit-I saw my father break down, but that’s it.”

Amazing as it seems, Tom’s account is seemingly accurate—at least according to anyone who knows or has encountered Nick–and enthusiastically portrays their love for this particular “lunatic.” Never without balloons in his pocket, he stops on the street to cheer or just talk with children and any outing to a restaurant is always capped off by whipping up a creation or two for anyone that “needs to smile.”

Nick makes his home in Howard Beach with high-school sweetheart, now wife, Sally. Perhaps his is the best explanation as to just how much the balloons mean to him. “ You could offer me a winning lotto ticket in a trade off to never do balloons again. To me, there’s no contest. The balloons win every time.”

If you’d like to know more about Nick’s artistry visit: nicktheballoonatic.com

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DOT Touts WoodhavenCross Bay SBS a Success

The City launched the Q52/Q53 Select Bus Service route in November 2017.

By Michael V. Cusenza Despite the steady chorus of criticism ovDespite the steady chorus of criticism over the last 12 months from long-suffering motorists and small business owners along the Woodhaven-Cross Bay Corridor, the City Department of Transportation has branded the Q52/Q53 Select Bus Service route a success.

The agency said that in the year since the route was introduced, Woodhaven and Cross Bay boulevards have been “transformed” by freshly paved roads with new high-visibility crosswalks, expanded medians and dedicated bus lanes. And the Q52/ Q53 SBS status report shows that over last year, bus reliability and travel times have improvedby approximately 10 percent, with ridership and customer satisfaction also rising since Q52/Q53 SBS routes launched on Nov. 12, 2017, bringing improvements like off-board fare payment, median stations and all-door boarding to more than 30,000 daily bus riders from Woodside to the Rockaways. With the addition of safety enhancements, crashes resulting in injuries along the corridor have declined by 6 percent, according to DOT. “This project was a massive group effort by staff at DOT—as the project combined innovative planning and engineering with

File Photo

extensive repaving, street marking, expanded sidewalk and median work, which have together made buses faster and more reliable,” DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said. “While we were also relieved to see that overall traffic injuries have declined, two recent pedestrian fatalities along Woodhaven prove just how much more Vision Zero work we have to do to make this crashprone street safer.”

Trottenberg went on to note that those fatalities at the intersection of Woodhaven and Jamaica avenues led DOT to further prioritize the perilous intersection for safety improvements, including: the addition of a pedestrian head-start (also known as leading pedestrian interval, or LPI) to give additional protected crossing time; upgrades to overhead lighting to improve visibility; and installation of flexi-bollards and rubber speed bumps to calm northbound left turns. The intersection is also among the targeted locations for City Police Department enforcement during the ongoing Dusk & Darkness initiative.

In 2019, DOT has pledged to build more pedestrian refuges, extend left turn bays in some locations, add new slips to improve driver access between the main road and service road on Woodhaven Boulevard, and make additional transit improvements along Broadway. Future capital phases of

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

Staying Healthy during the Holidays There's no better advice about maintaining your holiday health than to avoid stress. It impedea your health and interferes with having a great time.

Arguably, it's the hardest time of the year to keep things down to a low roar. Hectic schedules, social events and family gatherings to attend, shopping ventures and decorating.

At a time when you want to be at your best, stress can interfere. Holidays can have psychological consequences for some people and chronic stress can lower immunity and cause excretory, digestive and reproductive systems to stop working properly. Stress also may cause you to eat unhealthy snacks to cope, leading to unwanted weight gain.

Stress is not the only potential health hazard that can arise around the holidays.

Parties can expose you to an abundance of foods and drinks you're not used to, and that can lead to a lot of mindless eating. Weight gained now is difficult to shed come January, with colder temperatures challenging many peoples’ motivation to exercise.

Also, social settings put you in close contact with a greater number of people, potentially increasing your exposure to germs.

You can still feel your best during the holidays. Follow these tips for maintaining a healthy mind and body.

• Get the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can protect you against various strains of the flu.

Get a flu shot so you are ready for cold and flu season.

• Carry disinfecting wipes. Germs can linger on surfaces long after an infected person has come and gone. Wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes. This can help you avoid coming into contact with germs.

• Balance your activities. Don't over book. Leave days open to relax and do things you want to do.

• Keep up an exercise routine. Early morning is a good time to exercise because you may have to free up other time later in the day for shopping or parties. Exercise also can improve energy levels and relieve stress.

• Don’t focus on food. Focus more on enjoyable activities. Save indulgences for holiday treats and eat sensibly otherwise.

• Talk to someone. If the holidays have you feeling blue, talk to a friend or family member. If you need more professional support, find a social worker or psychologist that can help you work through stress and other feelings.

Until next week...

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the project will add additional bus bulbs, medians and median tip and sidewalk extensions, street resurfacing and some street reconstruction, Trottenberg added.

The agency also pointed out that the installation of the Woodhaven-Cross Bay SBS route has led to faster and more reliable travel times: 87 percent of riders surveyed say they prefer the Q52/Q53 SBS to the service it replaced, and average weekday ridership is up 5-8 percent. Corridor-wide transit signal priority and other changes to signals, markings and concrete work are all expected to improve travel

times further, DOT officials said. And according to agency data, travel times for other vehicles along the corridor stayed the same or only declined modestly.

Anecdotally, drivers who regularly traverse the route have reported longer travel times, ostensibly due to the loss of a thru traffic lane in both directions. And small business owners have brought their complaints of the impact that SBS bus lanes have had on parking, and therefore their bottom lines, to area elected officials.

Man Charged with Pointing Laser at Fed Helicopter

By Michael V. Cusenza A Brooklyn man has been arrested for allegedly directing a laser pointer at a U.S. Department of Homeland Security helicopter that was providing security for a United Nations General Assembly delegation in September, federal prosecutors announced on Monday.

Douglas Tetreau was arraigned on Monday and released on his own recognizance.

If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.

According to the complaint, on Friday, Sept. 28, around 8:30 p.m., as two pilots were providing security for the delegation, a bright, green beam of light penetrated the

the approach path for LaGuardia Airport they had illuminated all external lights on the helicopter so they would be visible to aircraft on approach to LaGuardia.

The DHS helicopter’s other pilot said he was able to track the light’s origin and lock onto its location—Devoe Street in Brooklyn—using the helicopter’s on-board camera equipment, according to the complaint.

Based on the pilots’ reports, a U.S. Secret Service agent was dispatched to the Photo Courtesy of RJE Merchandise Devoe Street address that night. The agent found Tetreau at the address and during an The helicopter pilots reported seeing a bright, green beam of light. interview Tetreau “stated that he had pointcockpit of the helicopter. One of the pilots the aircraft’s flight pattern. He also said that ed the laser pointer at a drone,” and prosaid he observed the beam appear to track since they were operating in the vicinity of duced said laser pointer from his pocket.

10 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • Number 47 VOL. 18 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Trump Calls on Congress to Support Bipartisan Prison Reform Legislation

By Michael V. Cusenza President Donald Trump recently urged members of Congress to get behind the Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person—FIRST STEP— Act, a bipartisan measure that aims to promote prisoner participation in vocational training, educational coursework, or faithbased programs, and in turn help them successfully reenter society.

“Our whole nation benefits if former inmates are able to reenter society as productive, law-abiding citizens,” Trump said.

According to the White House, the FIRST STEP Act highlights include: Prisoners will be able to earn credits that reduce the amount of time spent in prison. As a result, prisoners will gain job skills, drug treatment, and education that prepare them to reenter American communities as productive members of society.

The legislation seeks to place federal inmates closer to their communities in order to facilitate family visitation. The White House has called the bill a “true

Photo Courtesy of the Federal Bureau of Prisons

Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix in New Jersey

first step” in creating a fairer justice system by reforming mandatory minimums, which have created racially discriminatory outcomes and increased overcrowding and costs.

FIRST STEP would also reduce the enhanced penalties for certain non-violent repeat drug offenders and eliminates the three-strike mandatory life provision. This specific population will be able to petition courts for a review of their sentence, which can

be reduced only after the judge reviews all circumstances, including public safety, criminal history, and the nature of the offense.

According to a coalition of groups supporting FIRST STEP, the legislation also seeks to provide dignity for female inmates by banning the shackling of pregnant women and extending those protections to three months after her pregnancy. In addition, the bill requires that BOP provide sanitary napkins and tampons to incarcer-

ated women at no cost.

The measure aims to expand compassionate release by reducing the minimum age of prisoner eligibility for elderly release from 65 years of age to 60 years of age, and minimum time served of prisoner eligibility for elderly release from 75 percent to 2/3. It also expands the program to all prisons.

Finally, it allows the incarcerated individuals to seek relief under the program directly from a court so that administrative hurdles

within the BOP do not hamper one’s ability to be released.

“Throughout this process, my administration has worked closely with law enforcement.

Their backing has ensured that this legislation remains tough on crime—it’s got to remain very tough on crime—and supports the tremendous work of our police and the tremendous job that law enforcement does throughout our country, our communities. They do an incredible job.

We have great respect for law enforcement,” Trump said last week.

“Americans from across the political spectrum can unite around prison reform legislation that will reduce crime while giving our fellow citizens a chance at redemption. So if something happens and they make a mistake, they get a second chance at life.”

Trump later added that FIRST STEP “shows that true bipartisanship is possible. And maybe it’ll be thriving, if we’re going to get something done. When Republicans and Democrats talk, debate, and seek common ground, we can achieve breakthroughs that move our country forward and deliver for our citizens.”

Reported Hate Crime Incidents Increased Last Year: FBI

By Forum Staff The number of hate crime incidents reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation increased about 17 percent in 2017 compared with the previous year, according to theagency’s recently released Hate Crime Statistics report.

The annual analysis indicated that law enforcement reported 7,175 hate crimes to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program in 2017, up from 6,121 in 2016. Although the numbers increased last year, so did the number of law enforcement agencies reporting hate crime data—with approximately 1,000 additional agencies contributing information about the offenses, victims, offenders, and locations of hate crimes, federal officials noted.

“Having an increase in participating agencies allows us to have a more complete picture of hate crime incidents throughout the nation,” said Amy Blasher, chief of the FBI’s Crime Statistics Management Unit.

According to the HCS, the most common bias categories in single-bias incidents were race/ethnicity/ancestry (59.6 percent), religion (20.6 percent), and sexual orientation (15.8 percent). In addition to the 7,106 single-bias incidents reported

The bureau noted that hate crimes are the highest priority of its Civil Rights program.

last year, there were also 69 multiple-bias hate crimes reported.

Approximately 5,000 of the hate crimes reported were categorized as crimes against persons, such as intimidation or assault. About 3,000 were considered crimes against property, such as vandalism, rob-

Photo Courtesy of FBI

bery, or burglary. Some hate crime incidents are classified as both crimes against persons and crimes against property, the bureau noted.

Additionally, 238 offenses were classified in the report as crimes against society.

This category represents society’s prohibi-

tion against engaging in certain types of activity such as gambling, prostitution, and drug violations. These are typically victimless crimes in which property is not the object, officials said.

Of the 6,370 known offenders, 50.7 percent were white, and 21.3 percent were black or African-American. Other races accounted for the remaining known offenders: 0.8 percent were American Indian or Alaska Native; 0.7 percent were Asian; less than one-tenth of 1 percent were Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; and 7.5 percent were of a group of multiple races.

The race was unknown for 19.1 percent of offenders.

Of the 5,131 known offenders for whom ethnicity was reported, 25 percent were not Hispanic or Latino, 8.8 percent were Hispanic or Latino, and 1.6 percent were in a group of multiple ethnicities. Ethnicity was unknown for 64.5 percent of these offenders.

The FBI pointed out that hate crimes are the highest priority of its Civil Rights program, “not only because of the devastating impact they have on families and communities, but also because groups that preach hatred and intolerance can plant the seed of terrorism here in our country.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 47 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 | 11

Economic Update Shows More New Yorkers Working than Ever Before: Stringer

By Forum Staff Gotham’s economy experienced moderate growth as unemployment continued to fall to record-low levels in the third quarter of 2018, according to an economic update released on Thursday by City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

The city’s economy expanded 2.8 percent in the third quarter of 2018, roughly the same pace as in the first and second quarters; while the Big Apple unemployment rate, adjusted for seasonal variations, fell to 4.1 percent in Q3 2018from 4.2 percent in Q2 2018, the lowest rate on record, Stringer said. And more New Yorkers are working than ever before. The number of employed city residents increased by 6,200 in Q3 2018 to a record high of 4,055,300.

Additionally, the comptroller noted that the U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent in Q3 2018, the lowest rate since 3.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 1969.

Private sector jobs growth accelerated, according to the analysis, but largely in lowwage industries. Private sector hiring grew at an annual rate of 1.5 percent in Q3 2018; however, of the 15,100 private-sector jobs added in the third quarter, 11,700 (77.4 percent) were in low-wage industries. The largest private-sector job gains were 10,100 new opportunities in health care and social

Photo Courtesy of Comptroller Stringer’s Office

Comptroller Stringer had plenty to smile about this week as he delivered more positive economic news.

assistance; 3,600 jobs in leisure and hospitality; and 3,000 new jobs in professional and business services.

Stringer’s report also indicated that commercial and economic indicators remain strong. Venture capital investment in the New York metro area surged by 31 percent to $5.86 billion in Q3 2018 compared to a year ago.

However, the number of deals in the New York metro area fell to 159 in Q3 2018 from 213 in Q3 2017, following a similar trend nationwide.

New commercial leasing stayed strong, rising 18 percent from the year before to about 9.6 million square feet in Q3 2018.

Commercial rents remained stable and vacancy rates fell slightly citywide. The comptroller noted that the residential housing market weakened in part due to federal changes to state and local tax deductibility, rising mortgage interest rates, a lower limit on mortgage-interest deductibility, and a stronger dollar overall.

Unlike in Manhattan, housing prices increased in Brooklyn and Queens. The average sales price in Brooklyn rose 7.2 percent to $1,051,999, while the average sales price in Queens rose 3.4 percent to $635,281.

However, the number of sales decreased, increasing listing inventories, Stringer reasoned.

And weekday ridership on MTA NYC Transit fell 3.1 percent in Q3 2018 from a year ago as subway ridership fell 2.6 percent and bus ridership fell 4.7 percent. Ridership on the Long Island Rail Road rose 0.8 percent, but remained unchanged on Metro North.

“The numbers here show that New York City’s economy continues to be strong yet we still have improvements to make. While more New Yorkers are working than ever before, new jobs are concentrated in lowwage industries, preventing them from achieving economic security,” the comptroller added. “We have to ensure that economic growth lifts New Yorkers up— and to do that we must increase access to jobs with better wages as well as affordable childcare, housing, and educational and job training opportunities.”

Released every three months, the Comptroller’s Quarterly Economic Update tracks NYC’s economic health and analyzes its economy in a national context.

City Officials Blasted over Response to First Snow Storm

By Michael V. Cusenza The de Blasio administration has been roundly ripped over the last seven days for the City’s paltry response to an aggressive snow storm on Thursday that belted the five boroughs, paralyzing thoroughfares and snarling traffic from Broad Channel to the Bronx.

Gotham’s first snow storm of the season dumped about six inches of the white stuff on the city, more than most meteorological forecasts. It seemed to catch NYC off-guard at the worst possible time—the evening rush hour— rapidly evolving into an event that unleashed snow at a rate of two inches per hour in some areas. At one point, the outbound span of the George Washington Bridge was shut down due to a 20-car pileup.

“I think the domino effect of that was huge,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Friday on “The Brian Lehrer Shown” on WNYC-FM. Hizzoner pledged a “full operational review of what happened” after noting that the City “learned some lessons” from Thursday’s storm.

Sanitation officials are seen here analyzing the latest weather reports on Thursday.

“I think the crux of this matter was on Wednesday night the National Weather Service was saying one to two inches. We would never have, you know, called out all the

troops for one to two inches of snow. Around 10 or 11 on Thursday morning it jumped up to three to five inches; per se, even three to five inches of snow doesn’t do a

12 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • Number 47 VOL. 18 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Photo Courtesy of the City Sanitation Department

whole lot to the City of New York.

But then it became clear it was going to hit right at rush hour: heavy snow, wet snow, fast snow, obviously early in the season, you know,

leaves still on the trees. That’s when it became clear that we were dealing with something very different,” the mayor said. “I think if we could—if we had better knowledge, we would have told people on Wednesday night, ‘Do not drive today, get off the roads, you know, let the snow plows do their work, it’s going to be impossible to move around.’ We’ve done those sorts of snow emergency alerts and people really honor them, but honestly by the time we got that information it was too late to do that.”

On Friday, City Comptroller Scott Stringer sent a letter to City Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia calling the agency’s response to the storm “wholly unacceptable.”

“In a city that routinely experiences heavy snowfalls each year, there is no reason that six inches of snow should have caused problems as severe as school buses taking more than 10 hours to bring kids home,” Stringer fumed.“New Yorkers need a full and complete explanation of what went wrong and how DSNY intends to prevent this from happening again.”

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 19th day of October, 2018, bearing Index No. 000248/17/ 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 NOAH ROSS. My present address is RICHMOND HILL, NY. The month and date of birth are APRIL 1991. The place of my birth is QUEENS, NY. My present name is CHAND BALLY SHAN SINGH

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.

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.

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 is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 17th day of SEPTEMBER, 2018, bearing Index No. 000763/18/ 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 WACKING HORACE II. My present address is RICHMOND HILL, NY. The month and date of birth are MARCH 2018. The place of my birth is MANHATTAN, NY. My present name is ANDRE WACKING VALDEZ (infant)

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.

THE URBAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY n 10/05/18. Latest date to dissolve: 12/31/2117. 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, 244-04 Jericho Turnpike, FloB & A FAMILY HOLDING LLC Articles of ral Park, NY 11001. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/24/18. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon Notice of Formation: Henry Street Partwhom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LLC, 147-23 JEWEL AVE., ner LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: Any lawful activ- of NY (SSNY) on 08/17/2018. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent ity.

LEAP HIGH LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/20/2018. 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, 196-62 45th Road, Flushing, NY 11358. 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.

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

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 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 • Number 47 VOL. 18 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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.

Notice of Formation: 55-08 J&J LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/17/2018. Office Loc.: Queens County. of LLC upon whom process against it may be SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom served. SSNY shall mail process to: 34-30 Col- process against it may be served. SSNY shall lins Place, Flushing NY 11354 Purpose: Any mail process to: 55-08 98TH Street, Corona, lawful activity.

NY 11368. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

DOUBLE BREAK LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/08/2018. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: YADRAM MAHABEER9415 215TH St., Queens Village, NY 11428.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

EZ GLOBAL TAX LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/05/2018. 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 3621 166TH STREET, 2ND FLOOR, FLUSHING, NY 11358. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County, on the 19th day of October, 2018, bearing Index No. 001140/18/ 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 EUN PARK My present address is WOODHAVEN, NY. The month and date of birth are JAUNARY 1960.

The place of my birth is KOREA. My present name is ANGIE ELIZABETH PARK aka EUN JU PARK aka EUN JU OH

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 18 • Number 47 NOVEMBER 22, 2018 | 15

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