THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | NOVEMBER 2, 2017

VOL. 16 • NUMBER 44 • NOVEMBER 2, 2017

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

South & West

MINOR MAYOR

Candidates Blast de Blasio at Civic Forum

Incumbent City Councilman – and noted foe of Hizzoner – Eric Ulrich states his case for re-election at the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic meeting on Tuesday evening at St. Helen Catholic Academy.

See Story on Page 3 Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

Page 4

State Senator Proposes Fix for Borough’s Pervasive Parking Problem

Page 7

Special DEA Heroin Enforcement Team on its Way to NY

Page 10

Addabbo Applauds New Volunteer Firefighters Benefits Law

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 44 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | 1

Elected Leaders Reflect on Five-Year Anniversary of Superstorm Sandy

By Michael V. Cusenza Elected officials on Sunday marked the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy by reflecting on the damage and how far New York has come in the wake of the catastrophe that caused more than $40 billion in damages and claimed 53 lives across the Empire State.

“Forever, we will look at flooding, surges, steady heavy rain and high tides differently because of Sandy. While we have a number of ongoing projects like NY Rising and Spring Creek to help with the mitigation of future flooding, we truly cannot put Sandy behind us until every resident has fully recovered from its devastation,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach). “In the wake of Sandy, it has been satisfying and heartwarming to see so many of our local businesses reopen their doors, to have our beautiful beaches and boardwalks open up again to the public, and witness the rebuilding of so many homes that were lost to the superstorm. I represent very resilient constituents, who bound together to assist one another in the recovery after Sandy, and we all learned a great deal about the importance of neighbor helping neighbor during this continuing ordeal.”

Senate Minority Charles Schumer

File Photo

Sandy ravaged south Queens, tearing apart neighborhoods like Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, and Broad Channel.

echoed Addabbo’s sentiments.

“Hard to believe it has already been 5 yrs since Hurricane Sandy crippled the East Coast & hurt NY families, homes, & businesses,” New York’s senior senator began in a series of tweets posted on Sunday. “Forever grateful to firefighters, police, 1st responders & volunteers from across the US who saved lives & helped when we needed

it most. NY had to fight for every dollar to rebuild, repair & become more resilient. We still aren’t back 100%, but we're stronger than ever.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo, a borough native, added on Twitter, “5 years ago today Superstorm Sandy ravaged our state.

I’m proud of the work all New Yorkers have done to build back stronger than ever.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio, speaking at a press conference on Sunday announcing major investments to protect the Rockaways from future storms, recalled the horror of the days, weeks, and months following the weather event.

“We’re talking about the worst natural disaster we’ve ever faced in the history of this city. And we look with such pain and memory as our brothers and sisters in Houston and in Florida and in Puerto Rico have gone through their trials and tribulations, it all takes us back to what we experienced here,” de Blasio noted. “We think about those who are lost. We lost so many New Yorkers whose memories we keep alive.

We think about thousands and thousands of families who were torn away from their home and the sheer devastation. And it was in all five boroughs. I went, in the days after, to communities in Queens, in Staten Island, in Brooklyn, in Manhattan, and even the Bronx that were really hit and harmed by Sandy, each in different ways, some in terrifying ways. So, five years later it’s impossible to forget what happened, and it’s impossible to let down our guard because we learned this is a fight we’ll be fighting for a long time to make our city safe, to make it resilient.

And we’ve seen these other storms hit other places and it reminds us we can never rest.”

Sandy Group Lays out Priorities for National Flood Insurance Reauthorization

By Forum Staff

A working group convened by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) and composed of stakeholders from Superstorm Sandy-impacted communities in south Queens and representatives of U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) and Borough President Melinda Katz on Sunday marked the five-year anniversary of the catastrophic event with a list of legislative recommendations for the National Flood Insurance Program.

The NFIP, a program created by Congress in 1968 that aims to provide affordable insurance to property owners and encourage communities to adopt and enforce floodplain Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s Office management regulations, is slated to expire Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato (at lectern) convened the working group that released its legislative in December. recommendations for the NFIP on Sunday.

In a letter to U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), the ranking member of House mate. Our success here is particularly rele- the reauthorization.

2) The claims process must be reformed.

Financial Services Committee, the Flood vant to the resiliency, and indeed to the very Insurance Working Group noted that they existence, of our coastal communities, where During Sandy, adjusters working for Writehad prepared to present their findings to over 40 percent of Americans make their Your-Own companies committed, according Congress in September, however hurricanes home. The exact damage in any given year is to a Federal judge, fraud. They downplayed Harvey, Irene and Maria shifted the national unpredictable, but it’s obviously past time to damage, and even in some cases changed enadjust the abilities of the NFIP to our new gineers’ reports, in order to avoid paying out conversation.

“There is now, tragically but also impor- reality, which has been illustrated plainly for what they owed homeowners. There must be enforcement and full exposure to civil penaltantly, an acknowledged collective urgency us this year.”

In the missive, the group listed the 12 ties if WYO companies, or any insurers, skirt of getting the NFIP right,” Pheffer Amato wrote on behalf of the FIWG. “As leaders most-important priorities for NFIP reautho- the rules.

3) There must be increased accountabillike yourself and residents like us know only rization, from the perspective of survivors of ity of NFIP contractors, including a provitoo well, a working and equitable program Sandy: 1) Grandfathering rules – the carry-over sion that would require engineering reports of flood insurance is absolutely vital to our country’s chances to survive a changing cli- of prior rates – should be maintained under for any claim for losses covered by the NFIP 2 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • Number 44 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

to be provided to the policy holder, as well as a provision requiring annual reviews of engineering firms participating in the NFIP. 4) Additional funding to finish the FEMA maps, along with improved map accuracy.

5) Maps should show present risk as well as future risk.

6) Inconsistent rate quotes must be corrected via enforcement and other mechanisms. Different adjusters can provide different damage and risk assessments on the same property, which violates both the letter and the spirit of the law, and which contributes to confusion and red tape.

7) Flood Zone communities nationally need funding for mitigation efforts. FEMA maps need to then reflect the resiliency measures already taken.

8) There should be expanded mitigation options and credits.

9) There should be caps on the mandatory required premiums and vouchers for low-income homeowners, to keep the cost of premiums and fees from pricing people out of their communities.

10) Elevation certificate reimbursements should be provided for homeowners who need them.

11) Renewal should be on a five-year horizon, not ten.

12) There must be a full and thorough FEMA report. Currently there is no mention of Sandy claims outstanding. There are still 10,000 Sandy survivors not paid out on their claims.

Candidates Bash de Blasio at Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Forum

By Michael V. Cusenza The Candidates Forum on Tuesday evening during the monthly meeting of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic morphed into a blast Bill fest, with the majority of those running for office taking turns verbally lashing a figurative piñata in the form of Mayor de Blasio, much to the delight of the hundreds that packed inside St. Helen Catholic Academy’s cafeteria.

“I’m seeing a city that I love deteriorating, and a mayor who has an I-don’t-care attitude,” said Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, who is running on the Republican line against de Blasio on Nov. 7. “We’re headed in the wrong direction. We’re paying more but getting less results.”

Sal Albanese, a former public school teacher and City Council member, will also be competing for votes in the mayoral race Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza on Tuesday.

Howard Beach native Tracy Catapano-Fox is running “I’m running because the city really unopposed for Civil Court justice.

has diminished under Bill de Blasio,” he said, citing homelessness, affordability, and lobbyist-fed corruption as three problems plaguing Gotham at the moment. “Homelessness is an issue that has been badly mismanaged and it’s hurting the city.”

Bo Dietl, the Ozone Park native and retired decorated City Police detective running on the “Dump de Blasio” line, easily was the crowd favorite of the evening. The residents and business owners in attendance genuinely responded to his shootfrom-the-hip, outsider style.

“I’m different than anybody you’ll hear today – I’m not a politician. I used to be one tough cop,” Dietl said, referencing the title of the autobiography he published in the late ’90s, “now I’m one compassionate grandfather.”

The 66-year-old Dietl went on to rip de Blasio as “a nitwit,” and promised potential voters, “I can beat this guy.”

“My platform is common sense,” Dietl

added. “I’m not kissing up to Republicans or Democrats—I’m kissing up to you, the people.”

Incumbent City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), who arrived late to the forum following his daughter Lily’s birthday dinner at Matteo’s, also elicited passionate cheers from the crowd.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done at the City Council,” Ulrich said. “But I’m more proud of the high-quality constituent services me and my staff have been able to provide over the last eight-and-a-half years.

I’m asking you to vote for me so I can serve this district for another four years.”

Tracy Catapano-Fox, a Howard Beach native who is running unopposed for Civil Court justice, did not bash Bill, but endeared herself to the audience nonetheless.

‘I’m a Howard Beach girl born and bred,” she said. “It would be an honor and a privilege to represent this community.”

Families Enjoy Ghoulishly Great Time at Annual Howard Beach Halloween Parade

By Michael V. Cusenza Hundreds of revelers on Saturday scared up some holiday fun along Cross Bay Boulevard at the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach’s 31st Annual Halloween Parade.

Families from Howard Beach, Ozone Park, the Rockaways and other southern Queens communities descended on the thoroughfare in costume and followed the lead of grand marshals Det. Brenda Reddick, 106th Precinct Community Affairs officer; Lily Ulrich, daughter of City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park); and Rosalita, Brendan, Christian, and Samson Holihan.

Attendees walked from 159th Avenue to 165th Avenue, where they enjoyed free hot dogs, pizza, soft drinks, music, and rides.

Forum Photos by Michael V. Cusenza

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 44 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | 3

Senator Calls for Establishment of Residential Parking Permit Pilot Program

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

If the pilot program works, “then we can expand it to other areas of the city, and if it doesn’t, we will definitely study other alternatives,” Sen. Peralta said.

By Michael V. Cusenza To borough residents who spend countless hours after school and work searching for a parking spot remotely close to their home: State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) feels your pain.

That’s why this week he decided to address one of the most pervasive problems in Queens by introducing a bill that would establish a residential parking permit program in the World’s Borough.

“Finding a parking spot in New York can be an impossible task. Commuters, travelers, visitors, workers, all look for a curbside space for their cars, leaving residents without too many options to park their vehicles,” Peralta said. “Residential parking permits have been implemented in many cities across the nation, and according to a poll, New Yorkers would be willing to pay a reasonable fee to find it easier and faster to find a parking space. I would, since sometimes it takes me 30 minutes or longer to locate a spot. This is a pilot program, if it works, then we can expand it to other areas of the city, and if it doesn’t, we will definitely study other alternatives.”

According to S.6931, the City WOULD create a one-year parking pilot zoned for the area covering a two-mile radius of LaGuardia Airport. Additionally, the legislation requires that the parking permit system make 20 percent of the spaces available to non-residents. The program will not affect commercial thoroughfares, Peralta noted.

Under the proposal, the City Council will set the fees and fines for the program.

Fees will be destined to the general fund of the City. Drivers will have to display the parking permit in their vehicles.

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City Announces $145M in Investments to Protect Rockaways from Future Storms

By Forum Staff

The City has secured a $145 million investment for up to seven resilience projects to help protect communities in the Rockaways from the impacts of climate change, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Sunday, the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy.

According to the administration, each project will be designed to improve quality of life, build more resilient neighborhoods in the Rockaway peninsula that will be better prepared to withstand future flooding and coastal storms. All seven projects were identified by the City through consultation with Rockaway residents and their elected officials.

“Superstorm Sandy devastated communities, especially in neighborhoods in the Conceptual Rendering of Proposed Bayswater Park Rockaways, and the risks posed by future storms remain high. These seven resilience boardwalk reconstruction. According to projects are critical measures toward hard- the administration, a total of $480 million ening our neighborhoods and protecting was obligated for the Rockaway Boardwalk Queens families from future storms and project, and de Blasio committed to keep flooding. The substantial investments are any additional funding that was not spent a reflection of New York’s commitment to on the boardwalk in the Rockaways. In total, think creatively and act boldly to address cli- $120 million was saved from reconstructing mate change and mitigate its impacts,” said the boardwalk. Under FEMA 428 program Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. rules, the City was able to allocate the savEarlier this year, the City submitted a ing to other resiliency projects. FEMA relist of recreational and resiliency projects viewed the City’s application and approved to be considered by FEMA for funding the full amount to be used on the submitted from cost savings from the Rockaway Beach recreational and resiliency projects pending 4 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • Number 44 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Photo Courtesy of NYC Parks

approval of environmental and historical preservation reviews. This was supplemented by a contribution of $25 million from the administration, Katz and other public and private sources. With FEMA’s approval, the City will now be able to complete design on the following seven projects, moving them another step closer to construction, subject to final FEMA approval.

• Bayswater Park. This project will install berm along the waterfront and other feature to help manage stormwater. It will also include new sports fields, play areas, a public

plaza, a refurbished comfort station and access for kayaks.

• Edgemere Raised Shoreline. This project will raise the shoreline around the Edgemere neighborhood. It will include new vegetated berm and new bulkheads to help mitigate coastal flooding.

• Shore Front Parkway Recreation Zone.

Will include six new recreational facilities along Shorefront Parkway to replace those lost during Sandy.

• Rockaway Community Park. Will include a raising of the shorelines around the park’s eastern and western edges as well as restore the native wetlands as a natural buffer between the park and Jamaica Bay. • Beach 88th Street Park. This new waterfront park will include a new seawall and restores wetlands to mitigate tidal flooding in the Rockaway Beach neighborhood. It will also include play and seating areas and kayak access.

• Thursby Basin Park. This project will transform a vacant lot into a park with seawall and new resilient vegetation along the water to help protect against tidal flooding.

It will also include new sport courts, play equipment, and a kayak launch.

• NYC Parks’ Operations Headquarters for the Rockaways and Broad Channel. This project will elevate past of the facility protect from future flooding to ensure it can as a response center in the event of a future storm.

THE EXPERIENCE. THE RECORD. THE RESULTS.

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From standing up to Mayor deBlasio to fighting to protect our quality of life, Eric Ulrich is our voice at City Hall.

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VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 44 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | 5

Ridgewood Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms

By Forum Staff A Ridgewood man has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to weapons charges after police found a stash of firearms and ammunition in his home during the execution of a court-authorized search warrant in February 2017.

“Firearms pose a serious and deadly threat to public safety,” said Queens DA Brown. “My office is committed to ridding our communities of illegal guns. This case should serve as a warn-

ing to anyone who would purchase a weapon elsewhere and bring it into Queens County.

When you are caught with an illegal gun you will face prison time. The defendant in this case has been sentenced to a term of incarceration as a result of his error in judgment.”

The defendant is identified as Andrew Hakeem, 22, of Woodward Avenue. He plead guilty earlier this month to third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and had two years post-release supervision tacked on to his sentence by Queens Supreme Court Justice Barry

A. Kron.

According to the charges, police executed a court-authorized search warrant on the defendant’s home on February 17, 2017. There, police recovered a semiautomatic rifle that could be equipped with a detachable magazine along with a folding stock, a Sig Sauer .45 caliber gun, a taser and numerous rounds of ammunition.

At the time of his arrest, the defendant admitted that he’d bought the handgun in Miami and Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Rama knew he was not permitted to carry it in New One of the weapons recovered from Hakeem’s home was York City. a Sig Sauer .45 caliber handgun

Peralta Unveils Bill to Require Massage Parlors to Register with State

By Forum Staff State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) on Friday introduced a bill requiring massage therapy businesses to register with the New York Department of State.

Through this proposal, the establishments would be mandated to apply for a four-year license, allowing consumers and the State to know which businesses are legitimate, Peralta noted.

“Simply put, this legislation intends to weed out establishments that serve as fronts for prostitution, and prevent their proliferation,” the senator said. “These businesses, unfortunately, push human trafficking, so it is vital we ensure the victims, who are promised good jobs and good money, are not charged with anything and are able to get resources to get back on their feet.

This bill protects the good businesses from the bad ones, and it will close down the

fight prostitution and assist the victims of human trafficking.”

Under Senate bill S.6915, the licenses must be displayed by the massage therapy businesses in a visible location near the entrance of the establishment. Licenses will cost $60 and those who fail to register face penalties of up to six months in prison and $2,500 fines.

The legislation calls for the NY Department of State to work closely with the Department of Education to enhance existing laws relative to the practice of massage therapy and allow State agencies to examine the qualifications, education, and background of individuals applying for the Photo Courtesy of Sen. Peralta’s Office licenses.

Peralta said the legislation “intends to weed out establishments that serve as fronts for prostitution, and prevent The proposal will authorize the Departtheir proliferation.” ment of State to keep track of licenses using businesses owned by shoddy operators. I are offered massages at 11, 12 at night, 1 in the same mechanism as it currently does receive complaints from my constituents the morning. Who is going for a massage for similar establishments, such as nail and all the time. Some are walking home and at those times? We need to act now. Let’s hair salons, Peralta said.

Three Borough Men Charged with Hate Crimes in Cypress Hills Cemetery Desecration seev, 21, of Richmond Hill.

The three defendants were on a crimiThree Queens men have been charged nal complaint charging each of them with with burglary, criminal trespass and crimi- third-degree burglary as a hate crime, nal mischief as hate crimes for vandalizing second-degree criminal mischief as a hate nearly 100 headstones, as well as mauso- crime, first-degree cemetery desecration, leums and monuments, in Cypress Hills first-degree aggravated harassment and Cemetery three months ago, causing more third-degree criminal trespass as a hate than $100,000 in damage. District Attor- crime.

Bail was set at $100,000 bond/$70,000 ney Brown said, “Even in their eternal rest the dead of Queens County cannot escape cash and the defendants were ordered to from the bigotry and hatred that brews in return to court on November 15. If consome people’s hearts. Fortunately, work- victed, the defendants each face up to 15 ing jointly with our police partners – the years in prison.

The three defendants trespassed in a New York City Police Department’s Hate Crimes Task Force – we were able to bring section of Cypress Hills Cemetery someto justice those accused of this heinous des- time between 6:00 p.m. on August 14th ecration. In Queens County, the most cul- and 6:15 a.m. the following day.

They caused serious damage to cemturally diverse county in the nation, crimes of hate will never be tolerated and we will etery property, including: • Inside the Memorial Abbey Mausodo all in our power to root out those releum, in which approximately 15 vaults sponsible for such hate and prejudice.”

The defendants were identified as A. were damaged with at least two marble enBarrancos, 21, of Forest Hills, Bruno Ca- closures cracked and more than ten marble macho, 21, of Elmhurst, and Edward Ev- enclosures damaged by paint. In addition, 6 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • Number 44 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

By Forum Staff

The three defendants allegedly caused more than $100,000 in damage at the cemetery.

three stained glass windows were broken, three statutes were knocked over and broken, and at least two bases for these statutes were also knocked over and broken; • Within the cemetery’s Parkside subdivision, which is near the Memorial Abbey Mausoleum, approximately 72 headstones were knocked over and approximately 48 headstones were damaged with paint,

Photo Courtesy of Google

which included, “God LOL” and the “N”word; and • On the Gee Poy Kup Association’s monument and the Sze Kong Mutual Benevolent Association’s arch were spray painted the words “Ching Chong”. In addition, on an Asian headstone, “F--- Jackie Chan” was spray painted and there appeared to be human feces on it.

Special DEA Opioid Team Headed to NY: Schumer

By Forum Staff The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency will provide New York with a special heroin enforcement team, stationed on Long Island, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer announced on Friday.

In June, Schumer urged the DEA to commit to providing New York with one of the special teams being delivered to states suffering from opioid abuse. On Friday, the agency said that the six teams will be delivered to: Long Island, Charleston, Cleveland, Cincinnati, New Bedford and Raleigh.

New York’s senior senator noted that his office secured $12.5 million in federal funding for DEA in the Fiscal Year 2017 omnibus funding bill for the creation of new enforcement groups specifically dedicated to counteracting heroin and fentanyl trafficking and eradicating its availability. The groups will be directed to states that report heroin as the highest drug threat. In New York, the team will be comprised of two new DEA agents plus two officers from an existing task force, Schumer said.

“New York is getting an A-Team to help tackle the heroin and fentanyl epidemic and it couldn’t come soon enough,” the senator added. “I helped deliver the funds the DEA needed to create these teams because we are in urgent need of help and a special heroin enforcement team will lend a major hand in the fight to end the opioid scourge. I’m pleased that the feds have heeded the call. As the overdoses related to illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids increase, the new enforcement team will help the NYPD, Long Island and

Cops Arrest Man in Richmond Hill Rubbing Alcohol Attack

By Michael V. Cusenza

Photo Courtesy of DEA

Schumer called for the special DEA opioid team back in June.

other local police departments across the state contain and beat back the dangerous tide. We must not let off the gas pedal in the fight against opioid dealers, abuse and death in New York.”

According to the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, there were 1,374 unintentional drug overdose deaths in New York City in 2016, compared to 937 unintentional drug overdose deaths in 2015—an increase of 437. Approximately four fatal drug overdoses occurred each day in the five boroughs last year.

More than eight in 10 overdose deaths involved an opioid and heroin was involved in 751 (55 percent) of all fatal overdoses in NYC last year. Fentanyl was involved in 44 percent of all fatal overdoses last year.

And according to the State Department of Health, in 2015 there were 172 opioid overdose deaths in Nassau County, including 71 related to heroin; 213 opioid overdose deaths in Suffolk County, including 137 related to heroin.

Police on Friday arrested the man who allegedly shouted a racist remark as he tossed rubbing alcohol in the face of a 13-year-old girl in Richmond Hill.

Alexis Cabezas, 34, a Richmond Hill resident, was arraigned on a criminal complaint charging him with second-degree aggravated harassment (hate crime), acting in a manner injurious to a child under the age of 17, and second-degree harassment. According to court records, Cabezas was released on his own recognizance and ordered to return to court in December.

According to police reports, on Tuesday, Oct. 24, around 3:25 p.m., the girl disembarked from the Q10 bus at Lefferts Boulevard and 101st Avenue when she was allegedly approached by Cabezas from behind. When the victim turned around, Cabezas allegedly threw the alcohol in her face and made an anti-white remark. Cabezas then allegedly fled on foot traveling northbound on Lefferts Boulevard heading toward 97th Avenue. The girl sustained burning to her eyes and was removed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where she was treated and released.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

Cabezas allegedly shouted a racist remark as he tossed rubbing alcohol in the victim’s face.

Attorney General Sessions Delivers Speech at JFK on Heroin Crisis

By Michael V. Cusenza U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Friday visited John F. Kennedy International Airport to deliver remarks regarding the Trump administration’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

Last week, President Donald Trump officially declared the critical situation a Nationwide Public Health Emergency.

“The best way to prevent drug addiction and overdose is to prevent people from abusing drugs in the first place,” the Queens native said on Thursday. “If they don’t start, they won't have a problem.”

Speaking on Friday at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Conference Room inside Building 14, Sessions did not mince words, calling the epidemic of heroin and prescription pain medication abuse “the deadliest drug crisis in American history.”

“Based on preliminary data, approxi- Attorney General Jeff Sessions

Photo Courtesy of DOJ

mately 64,000 Americans lost their lives to consequences.” drug overdoses last year. That would be the Sessions said that, among other direchighest drug death toll and the fastest in- tives, he has assigned experienced prosecucrease in that death toll in American history. tors in opioid “hot-spots” to focus solely on And that would mean that more Americans investigating and prosecuting opioid-relatdied of drug overdoses last year than died ed healthcare fraud in places where they are from AIDS at the height of the AIDS epi- especially needed. demic or car crashes,” Sessions said. “For He also identified fentanyl, pain mediAmericans under the age of 50, drug over- cation that is 30 to 50 times more powerful doses are now the leading cause of death.” than heroin, as “the number one killer drug The attorney general later noted that in America.” the City Police Department in 2016 inves“With synthetic drugs flooding our tigated nearly 1,400 overdose deaths—an streets, drugs are now more powerful, more increase of 46 percent in just one year. addictive, and more dangerous than ever.

Sessions pointed to opioids as the “pri- But that’s also why our drug law enforcemary driver” of the emergency. ment efforts are more important than ever,” “To confront a crisis on this scale, we Sessions said. “In confronting the worst must take a comprehensive approach to the drug crisis in our history, we need to use evproblem,” he said. “We must improve our ery lawful tool we have. But if we do, there prevention, enforcement, and treatment. If is hope. I agree with the President, I’m conwe fail to act on any one of these principles, vinced this is a winnable war. And the good then we won’t fix the problem—we’ll just work I’ve seen today make me even more change it. And that would have devastating confident in that.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 44 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | 7

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8 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • Number 44 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 44 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | 9

Addabbo Lauds Law that will Provide New Death and Healthcare Benefits for Volunteer Firefighters

By Forum Staff Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed into law a bill that will provide new healthcare and death benefits to volunteer firefighters who are diagnosed with a variety of cancers, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), one of the legislation’s co-sponsors, noted on Thursday.

Volunteer firefighters currently are able to apply for accidental disability and death benefits through Worker’s Compensation law if they are injured in the line of duty.

Under this new law, which goes into effect in January 2019, certain volunteer firefighters will also be eligible for benefits to treat a variety of cancers, including lung, prostate, breast, lymphatic, hematological, digestive, urinary, neurological, reproductive system, or melanoma cancers. Death benefits associated with cancers will also be available.

According to Addabbo, to be eligible for the benefits volunteer firefighters must

active or within five years of their last service. Qualified firefighters diagnosed with cancer will be eligible for a $25,000 lump sum payment, depending on the diagnosis.

Those disabled owing to cancer could also receive up to $1,500 a month for 36 months and a death benefit of $50,000.

“This legislation builds upon the State’s existing Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law and may provide significant peace of mind and financial support for brave men and women who develop cancer after devoting years of their lives to protecting our communities from fire,” Addabbo said. “Our vollies routinely make selfless decisions to give of themselves to all of us in our times of greatest need, and they deserve our deepest reFile Photo spect and gratitude.”

The Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Corps is one of five volunteer fire and ambulance Addabbo noted that when deciding to corps that operate in the 15th Senatorial District. support the bill he thought of the members have shown no signs of the disease, after served with the company for at least five of the five volunteer fire and ambulance undergoing a physical exam, upon join- years fighting fires in building interiors, and corps that operate in the 15th Senatorial ing the fire company. They must also have can claim benefits only if they are currently District.

Ulrich Bill Would Require a Majority Vote from Council before Removing any Statue on Public Lands

By Michael V. Cusenza City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) on Monday unveiled a new bi-partisan bill that would require a majority vote of the Council before removing statues on City property.

In August, in the wake of the deadly “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Va., Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged to appoint a commission to review all City monuments over a 90-day period, even insisting that tributes to Italian-American icon Christopher Columbus would not be spared scrutiny. The 18-member panel met for the first time in Manhattan earlier this month.

Ulrich on Monday said he crafted his bill in an effort to protect City monuments from being removed without comment from residents or their elected representatives.

“This bill would block de Blasio and his handpicked cronies from deciding the fate of any statue of City property. The mayor, of all people, should be Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office defending Columbus Circle. Instead, he has appoint- “This bill would block de Blasio and his hand-picked cronies from deciding the fate of any ed his friends to a commission that would decide the statue of City property,” Ulrich said on Monday.

fate of City monuments without any public input,” Ulrich said. “I am absolutely appalled that we have to stand on the steps of City Hall and demand respect from the government. For so many New Yorkers, the Christopher Columbus statue serves as a symbol of the many profound contributions of Italians to American history. We live in a democracy, and it is a disgrace that I need to introduce legislation to restore transparency.”

Ulrich’s proposed legislation would amend the administrative code of the City in relation to requiring Council approval.

“No matter what side of the issue you fall on, most New Yorkers would agree that decisions about what should or should not be displayed on public property, such as a statue or a monument, should be made out in the open, after a fully transparent, deliberative process,” said Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo, one of the bill’s co-sponsors. “That is what we do here in the City Council on a regular basis as duly elected representatives of the people of this city. The legislation Councilman Ulrich is introducing codifies that very simple, but very critical democratic ideal.”

Assemblywoman Presents Summer Reading Awards to St. Helen Students Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) on Friday continued her Summer Reading Awards Tour in Howard Beach at St. Helen Catholic Academy, handing out awards to students from all grade levels.

In her Summer Reading Program, Pheffer Amato sent pamphlets to students across the 23rd Assembly District, who then had to incorporate reading into their daily routine over summer vacation in or-

10 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • Number 44 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

der to win the awards.

“There are few things that open the world to you like reading every day,” Pheffer Amato said. “And I’m just so proud of each of you, that you’ve taken that first step. I hope reading is a lifetime joy for you and something that helps you in school, in work and in your lives! Congratulations and great work to all.”

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s Office

Stringer Storm Plan Could Save Taxpayer Dollars

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

FOOD ALLERGIES:

Being Sure Makes All the Difference

Photo Courtesy of Comptroller Stringer’s Office

Stringer spoke about the report and plan over the weekend on Rockaway Beach.

By Forum Staff City Comptroller Scott Stringer on Saturday released a new report and seven-point plan that he said will save taxpayer dollars, prevent price-gouging on contracts, and ensure that New Yorkers get the help they deserve after an emergency.

According to Stringer, the report, “Fiscal Resiliency: Reforming New York City’s Emergency Procurement System before the Next Storm,” recommends ways to leverage the purchasing power of the City, negotiate costs in advance, and reform emergency procurement.

Stringer said his seven-point plan addresses several of the challenges which arose from the City’s response to Superstorm Sandy five years ago: Develop and publish a citywide procurement plan: By planning ahead for emergency needs, the City can build capacity to respond to disasters through normal, competitive procurements. The emergency contracting plan should draw on the expertise of multiple agencies and should extend beyond basic items such as water and blankets to more difficult procurements like social services, telecommunication, construction, transportation, and temporary office space, and housing.

Develop a more robust catalogue of requirements or ‘on-call’ contracts: Specifically, there must be a catalogue of on-call contracts

for the procurement of emergency goods and services that the City can access in the event of an emergency. On-call contracts allow the City to pre-negotiate rates for specific goods and services that could be needed in an emergency, creating a more cost-effective and reliable pipeline of help in advance of any disaster.

Include “Emergency Contract Riders” – or emergency-specific provisions – allowing access to select services under existing citywide contracts to be activated in an emergency situation: Such language would allow the City the flexibility to access goods and services from existing contracts and a universe of proven responsive and responsible vendors in an emergency.

Learn from complications arising from the City’s Rapid Repairs program and develop an improved model for a home repair program that can be launched when disaster strikes: The City should create a framework for a future home repair program, including model contracts which can be bid out in the immediate aftermath of a storm or disaster, to avoid some of the confusion around billing that came to define the City’s Rapid Repairs program in the months and years after the storm.

By memorializing contract terms, scope of work, program requirements, and oversight authority ahead of an emergency, the City can guard against poor-quality work, delayed payments to vendors, and disagreements over billing.

Cooperate more efficiently on the state,

Food allergies or food intolerances affect nearly everyone at some point. Unpleasant reactions to food inspires wonder as to whether it had to do with what we ate.

One out of three people believe they have a food allergy because a family member does.

In reality, only about 5% of children have clinically proven food allergies. In teens and adults, it's about 4 %.

The difference between a clinically proven food allergy and what people believe the problem is arises mainly because of reactions brought on by what is commonly known as a food intolerance.

We’ve all heard the term lactose intolerance and seen the rise of products that address the condition. But it's very important to know the difference between intolerance and a true allergic reaction.

A food allergy, or a hypersensitivity, is an abnormal response to a food triggered by the immune system, which is not responsible for the symptoms of a food intolerance, despite the resemblance of symptoms.

Being allergic to milk is vastly different from being unable to digest it properly because of lactose intolerance.

For the small percentage of people with genuine food allergies, identifying them could

mean the difference between life and death.

People with true food allergies must identify them to prevent allergic reactions which can cause devastating illness and, in some cases, death.

An allergic reaction to food can affect the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, and, in the most serious cases, the cardiovascular system.

Reactions can range from mild to the most severe–potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Food allergy symptoms send someone to the emergency room every three minutes in the US. Mild symptoms may include: hives, Eczema, redness of the skin or around the eyes, itchiness of mouth or ear canal, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, slight , dry cough, an odd taste in mouth and uterine contractions.

If you experience any of these symptoms, discuss them with your pharmacist or physician right away.

Being prepared for an allergic reaction can mean the difference between an unpleasant experience and a life threatening situation.

For your family’s prescription needs, please call

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

157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. or 96-05 101st Ave. in Ozone Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed. regional and national levels to pool contracts and create resources: Doing so would exponentially expand the universe of goods and services New York would have access to in an emergency and will harness the collective buying power of the government by working together.

Increase oversight and transparency by requiring periodic emergency contract updates, instituting new training curriculums, and striving for the early registration of contracts: While emergency contracts should be the last resort of agencies, several steps can be taken to guard against waste or mismanagement. When agencies quickly enter into emergency contracts, they can unintentionally

fail to implement crucial accountability measures that protect the interests of taxpayers.

Establish protocols to expand the use of PCards – or City-issued credit cards – in the event of an emergency: Such an expansion should go beyond the current low dollar thresholds with an appropriate level of corresponding oversight, to provide vendors immediate payment for services rendered during emergencies.

This would allow for on-the-spot procurement decisions to be made by first responders and recovery officials, while also providing an electronic, real-time record of purchases for later tracking.

Weatherization Measures Could Slash Utility Bills

By Michael V. Cusenza A State-run initiative could help cut utility costs by an average of 20 percent for approximately 9,200 income-eligible families and seniors across New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday.

The $59 million in funding through the Weatherization Assistance Program will be released to a statewide network of non-profit organizations to conduct energy-efficiency work including, but not limited to air sealing, insulation, upgrading heating systems, and diagnostic testing to identify hazards such as carbon monoxide and mold, according to the administration.

New York City has been awarded more than a third of the total pot – $21,525,072.

Twelve nonprofits, including two Queens organizations, will use those funds to weatherize 3,405 residences across the five boroughs.

The WAP has invested more than $738 million since 2011 to make 118,600 homes more resilient and more affordable, the administration noted.

Administered by the State Homes and Community Renewal, with funds from the U.S. Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services, WAP is available in every Empire State county. Priority is given to households with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those receiving LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program funds. The program assists all types of housing including single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and manufactured homes.

“This program has helped thousands Weatherization Program that was comof families cut utility costs, save money pleted earlier this year found significant and build stronger, more energy efficient benefits. Energy use in completed homes is homes,” Cuomo said. “I urge any New Yorker reduced by nearly 20 percent, on average, who qualifies for this funding to see how we and health and safety hazards such as poor can help make your house more energy ef- indoor air quality, lead-based paint and mold ficient, less expensive to maintain, and more that can trigger asthma are reduced or elimiresilient for whatever Mother Nature decides nated. to throw our way.”

“Weatherizing buildings and homes Cuomo also noted that a total of $1.3 mil- is one of the best ways to help people save lion of the $59 million will go toward provid- money and protect the environment,” added ing the network of subgrantees with training U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Queens, and technical assistance. Training in weath- Brooklyn, Manhattan). “I’m proud to superization techniques, such as energy auditing port this federal funding to help low-income and repairing heating systems, ensures that families and seniors make their homes more program funds are used effectively and work energy efficient and applaud Gov. Cuomo’s is done safely. work to make sure this help gets to those Additionally, an evaluation of HCR’s who need it.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 44 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | 11

EDITORIAL FOUR MORE YEARS Before we get down to business, we’d like to establish one simple ground rule that we will adhere to throughout this column: This is an endorsement of City Councilman Eric Ulrich’s third and final term representing the 32nd District (Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Richmond Hill, Rockaway Park, Roxbury, South Ozone Park, West Hamilton Beach and Woodhaven) on the council – not an indictment of his opponent.

We often hear phrases like “drain the swamp,” “elect outsiders, not entrenched politicians,” etc., during campaign season.

And for the most part, we firmly agree with those sentiments. Career politicians can often be constituent-ignoring, money-grubbing, slick-tongued brokers who coast through decades of tenure asleep at the switches at the highest levels of power.

The Forum can proudly report that Eric Ulrich is not one of these enemies of the people. He is “entrenched” in the most positive connotation of the term. He has proven, time and again over the past eight-plus years, to be the passionate gadfly, speaking truth to those – regardless of political affiliation – who have been elected to lead the City, State, and country, but who often have left much to be desired.

“If you as the mayor who on the City Council annoys him the most,” Ulrich said on Tuesday at the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Candidates Forum, “he’ll tell you it’s me.”

He’s got a track record of standing up for

LEGALLY SPEAKING

As you may recall, the issue of Workers’ Compensation benefits for injured workers was used as a bargaining chip in Albany during this year’s budget negotiations. A compromise was reached that would update the current medical treatment guidelines to reduce costs to employers while still protecting the rights of injured workers. October 23, 2017, was the final day interested parties could comment regarding the proposed changes.

In order to reach this goal, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board was directed to put together a task force with input from labor, the insurance industry, medical providers, and the Business Council to revise the impairment guidelines to reflect “advances in modern medicine that enhance healing and result in better outcomes.”

On the Friday of a holiday weekend, in order to diminish media coverage of the results, the final draft was released. This was not a revision, but

his constituents, something many politicians forget should be Number 1 on their daily to-do list: In the summer of 2016, Ulrich took Mayor Bill de Blasio to task over his work regarding Build It Back – which has affected thousands of Council District 32 residents. He lambasted the mayor for his “poor handling” of the Superstorm Sandy reconstruction program, and the de Blasio administration “for not delivering on their promise to help people get back into their homes after Superstorm Sandy.”

In March, Ulrich ripped de Blasio and “Turning the Tide on Homelessness, Neighborhood by Neighborhood” – the City’s latest plan to get a hold of the crisis: “Mayor de Blasio set expectations so incredibly low today that you have to wonder if he was even being serious. Over the next four years, he aims to move a mere 2,500 people out of the shelter system. This is an insult to the 60,000 plus New Yorkers who are desperately waiting for permanent housing. Homelessness is at an all-time high. It is a serious issue and deserves serious, thoughtful solutions. Instead of feuding with the governor, the mayor should be fighting in Albany to bring back Section 8 vouchers. Instead of building more shelters, the mayor should be investing in transitional housing programs that actually work by encouraging rehabilitation and upward mobility. The mayor should also fire his DHS Commissioner, Steven Banks, for doing an abysmal job running this agency. Until there are real programs, real solutions and real accountability – we will not see real progress or help for the people who need it the most.”

On Tuesday, Ulrich had one request.

“I’m asking you to vote for me so I can serve this district for four more years.” We are too.

Vote Ulrich on November 7.

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.

rather a full-scale re-write of the guidelines. Labor groups, injured workers’ advocates, and member s of the State Legislature were justifiably outraged.

One of the provisions would allow insurance company doctors to question injured workers without their lawyer present, which could negatively impact future legal proceedings. If an injured worker refused to answer a question, the insurance company doctor could deem the injured worker as “uncooperative,” which could result in a suspension of benefits. Even worse, the end results of these proposed guidelines would slash benefits in some cases up to 97%, and for others, there would be none.

As a result of the controversy, the New York State Assembly Labor Committee held a public hearing at which representatives of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board testified first

12 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • Number 44 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

about the procedure used to formulate their revisions. They testified that they had a number of meetings with the Orthopedic Society, as well as discussions with the AFL-CIO and the insurance industry. A number of additional witnesses testified, including members of the task force, and it became abundantly clear that the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board started their own re-write to these guidelines more than two years prior to any direction to do so. It was also clear that the end result had little resemblance to the recommendations made by the AFL-CIO or the Orthopedic Society.

It is now more than 45 days since the proposed re-write was put out for public comment, and the list of those who are opposed is tremendous. On October 18, worker advocates showed up at a number of Workers’ Compensation Board locations across the state for Days of Action in-

cluding at Hauppauge, Brooklyn, and Buffalo.

More than 100,000 postcards objecting to the proposed changes were delivered. Members of the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union, the AFL-CIO, NYCOSH, New York City District Council of Carpenters, DC37, and countless more have all publicly railed against these changes. Members of the Legislature have called out the Workers’ Compensation Board for overstepping their authority and for proposing changes that would vastly favor the Business Council over the injured worker.

While the comment period is finished, you can still voice your outrage by contacting your State Senator and Assembly member and telling them that injured workers don’t deserve to lose any more benefits. Sometimes after an injury, Workers’ Compensation is what prevents a worker from losing everything.

Legal Notices KKL CAPITAL LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/19/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Kiran Lal, 35-20 Leverich St., Apt B423, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

THE LIVANOS ALBANY GROUP LLC

U-BUILD HOLDING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/04/17.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 33-54 Farrington Street, Suite 2B, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANERS AND RESTORATION LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/21/2017.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 173-21 104 Ave, Jamaica, NY 11433. Reg Agent: NYSCORPORATION.COM, 1971 Western Ave., #1121, Albany, NY 12203. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

PROMINENT HAIR AND LASHES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/22/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, PAULA FRANCIS, 183-10 DUNLOP AVE., SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

RAMANIWAS 808 REALTY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/21/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 37-32 75th Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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

Notice of Formation of Lona and Stephanie LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/23/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: the Company at 40-26 College Point Blvd., Sky View, Apt. 10i, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful activities.

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

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

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, C/O United States Corporation Agents inc., 7014 13th Avenue Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

H D L REALTY, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/01/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 50-30 208th Street, Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of CLERMONT ORGANIZING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/07/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Julia Lyschik, 35-15 75th Street, #606, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful activity

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

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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

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

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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

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

Purpose: any lawful act.

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

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

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

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

114-51 MERRICK BLVD LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/28/2017. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 169-37 144th Rd., Jamaica, NY 11434, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

MODERN ARTS BUILDING LLC Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/13/17. Office location: Queens Co. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 7/25/17 SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC PO Box 94081 Rockaway Park, NY 11694. DE address of LLC: 3500 S DuPont Hwy Dover, DE 19901.

Arts. Of Org. filed with DE Secy. of State, PO Box 898 Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: any lawful activity.

DESTINY DRIVE LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/4/2017. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 33-24 Northern Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

.

Notice of Formation of ODEON SECURITY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 8/26/16. Office location: Queens County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to ODEON SECURITY LLC, 143-09 222nd STREET, GROUND LEVEL, LAURELTON, NY 11413, the principal business location. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Corinthian Risk Management LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 9/13/17. Office location: Queens County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to 49-12 31st Pl, Long Island City, NY 11101, the principal business location. Purpose: any lawful activity.

BUDGET WIRELESS NE LLC. Filed 9/29/17. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: Po Box 520707, Flushing, NY 11352. Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation of KOZAKI L.L.C. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 7/19/17. Office location: Queens County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to LEGALINC CORPORATE SERVICES INC., 1967 WEHLE DRIVE, SUITE 1 #086, BUFFALO, NY 14221. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of OUTLINE ARCHITECTURE PLLC Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 9/13/17. Office location: Queens County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to THE LLC, 15350 89TH AVE., Apt. 1107, Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: any lawful activity.

TLN TRADING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/15/17. Office: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to TLN TRADING LLC, 216-26 68TH AVENUE, OAKLAND GARDENS, NY 11364. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

KEDIC FASHON WORKSHOP LLC Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 09/20/17. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: LEGALINC CORPORATE SERVICES INC, 1967 WEHRLE DRIVE, SUITE 1 #086, BUFFALO, NY 14221. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 1 day of MAY 2017, bearing Index Number NC000042-17/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 8917 SUTPHIN BOULEVARD, JAMAICA, NY 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) SAMUEL (middle) ISAAC (last) HERNANDEZ. The city and state of my address is 8340 BRITTON AVE, APT. LB, ELMHURST, NY 11373. The date of my birth is APRIL 26, 2014; place of my birth is BRONX, NY; my present name is SAMUEL ISAAC HERNANDEZ NAVARRETE (infant) Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 2 day of AUGUST 2017, bearing Index Number NC-000459-17/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 SUTPHIN BOULEVARD, JAMAICA, NY 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) SHIFA (middle) NAAZ (last) AHMED. The city and state of my address is 111-37 120th Street, South Ozone Park, NY 11420-1336. The date of my birth is APRIL 26, 2014; place of my birth is BRONX, NY; my present name is (first) SHIFANAAZ (middle) RAEES (last) AHMED

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 44 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | 13

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STRONGER AGENTS CAN CARRY MORE PEOPLE OVER THE THRESHOLD

Century 21 Amiable II is hosting their personal and professional lives.”

a health & wellness event, personally designed for the real estate professional, on Wednesday, November 8th, 2017 from 4:30pm - 8:30pm in the Shops At Atlas Park, http://www.shopatlaspark.com.

The rented space is located between TJ Max and Five Below. Limited seating of 70 seats.

“Come meet our expert in the fitness field, Louise Ann Lugo, fitness instructor / fitness nutrition specialist / health coach / personal trainer and Associate in Allied Health Science/ food preparation specialist. https://www. teambeachbody.com/tbbsignup/-/ tbbsignup/free/546358. Our goal is to help real estate agents achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, that they can bring into

said Anne Marie Chirichigno, broker / owner of Century 21 Amiable II. You can expect a lot of energy in the room as Louise’s energetic personality will demonstrate how to shop and prepare healthy meals made easily for the office and on-the-go. She will demonstrate simple, but very affective, exercise techniques that are great for when you’re on the road or behind your desk.

We all know you never get a second chance to make a first impression and a professional headshot can boost your real estate career. We are offering free headshots to the first 40 agents to arrive at the event from photographer Elena D’Este Photography, LLC. https://elenadestephotographyllc.pixieset. com/

REMEMBER IF YOU SEE SOMETHING YOU'D BETTER SAY SOMETHING 14 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • Number 44 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

HOWARD BEACH

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

LONG BEACH

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

RKWY BEACH,

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

H B/ RKWD PK,

HAMILTON BEACH

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

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

HOWARD BEACH

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

HOWARD BEACH

2 Fam, 5 rms over 6 rms, 5 bedrms, 2 bths, pvt drive and garage. Call Now !w

HOWARD BEACH/ RCKWD PK

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

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 44 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | 15

See Deli Manager Host Your Thanksgiving With Russo’s Fresh Gourmet Serves 12-15 People $239

- ROASTED 16-18 lb. TURKEY - 1/2 TRAY STUFFING - 1/2 TRAY BAKED ZITI - 1/2 TRAY SWEEY POTATOES - 1/2 TRAY STRING BEANS OR BROCCOLI OREGANATE - 1/2 TRAY ROMAINE SALAD - APPLE OR PUMPKIN PIE

TURKEY ONLY $99

16 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • Number 44 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP