THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | DECEMBER 14, 2017

VOL. 16 • NUMBER 50 • DECEMBER 14, 2017

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

South & West

BUST LANES

Addabbo Bill Requires City to Replace Public Parking Spots Lost to SBS

See Story on Page 3

Noting that some Woodhaven-Cross Bay businesses have lost significant customer parking spaces to the newly-implemented Select Bus Service, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. has introduced legislation to require NYC to provide alternate spots to make up for those that disappear as a result of municipal capital projects.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 50 DECEMBER 14, 2017 | 1

Where perfection is not an accident…

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

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

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

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

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

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

106-12 Atlantic Avenue, Richmond Hill NY 11416

1-888-4SONNYS

Phone: 718-738-6721 • Fax: 718-846-7755 2 DECEMBER 14, 2017 • Number 50 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Addabbo Introduces Legislation to Require City to Replace Public Parking Spots Lost to SBS

By Michael V. Cusenza Since it was implemented a month ago, the Cross Bay-Woodhaven corridor Select Bus Service program undoubtedly has affected all stakeholders: riders, motorists, and the owners of the small business that dot either side of both thoroughfares.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), whose 15th District hosts the entire 14-mile Q52/53 SBS route, had that last group in mind when he recently introduced legislation to require the City to provide alternate parking spaces to make up for those that disappear as a result of SBS or other municipal capital projects.

According to Addabbo, area entrepreneurs have told him that they have lost significant customer parking spaces to the newlyimplemented service.

“Many small businesses along these roadways have found that nearby customer parking spaces have been sacrificed to the bus routes and newly created bus stops,” said Addabbo, a fierce opponent of the Q52/53 SBS. “This directly impacts the economic health of our community and the local companies that are the foun-

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

“Since SBS went into effect on Cross Bay and Woodhaven boulevards, many small businesses along these roadways have found that nearby customer parking spaces have been sacrificed to the bus routes and newly created bus stops,” Sen. Addabbo said.

dation of our local business areas.

If customers can’t get to these stores owing to an elimination of parking, they will certainly decide to take their business elsewhere – therefore placing our stores in jeopardy.”

The senator noted that, under his plan, when parking is eliminated under an SBS or other capital project, the City would be required to dedicate an equal

number of publicly available commercial or residential parking spots within a block of the spaces that were lost. In addition, the City would be required to hold a public hearing to solicit community input, and consider alternative parking sites, prior to the elimination of any existing parking spaces.

Addabbo also noted that spots in front of many local shops have

been eliminated or greatly impacted by new bus stops or the parking restrictions imposed by the red “bus only” lanes.

“Unbelievably, these spaces were taken away for the sole purpose of installing a bus lane for a non-existent Saturday rush hour,” he said. “At some locations, the spaces are unavailable 24 hours a day due to the new SBS bus stops, even when already existing bus

stops remain just a short distance away.”

Addabbo added that the City – prior to installing such measures – needs to study how the projects will affect the host communities.

“In addition to the potentially disastrous effect of SBS on local businesses, I am also seeing greater vehicular congestion and am concerned for the safety of pedestrians waiting on medians between traffic lanes,” he said.

“We need to continue urging the city to better address all of these vital issues. When it comes to parking availability, the administration must be made to understand the need to give back what it takes away. Our local businesses depend on customer foot traffic to succeed. The ‘No parking, no customers, no local businesses’ formula is bad for our city and its residents.”

Companion legislation to S.6962 will be introduced in the Assembly by Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven).

“This bill will ensure that any future endeavors by New York City which affects parking will require the City to replace these spots at a suitable location in the same community,” Miller said.

PS 146 Student’s Story Shows that Bullying is Still an Issue in City Schools

By Michael V. Cusenza A 10-year-old boy this week recounted his personal horror story of relentless bullying he has suffered at the hands of fellow fifth-graders at PS 146 — just as his father related his own harrowing tale of the paltry responses he has received from the City when attempting to get his son transferred out of the Howard Beach school.

“These kids keep bullying me, I don’t like it,” Lance Rodriguez told Spectrum News New York 1 on Monday. “Especially when they are saying things about my background. You see, I’m Hispanic and they are harassing me for that.”

Lance’s dad, Neal, has been trying to obtain a “safety transfer” to a new school, but he can’t seem to get the City Department of Education to even acknowledge him.

“No one calls me back,” Rodriguez told the station.

Though the DOE did not return The Forum’s request for comment, NY 1 has indicated that after their story aired both PS 146 and the City have reached out to him and are helping his son transfer out of the school.

Lance’s ordeal was made public the same day the City Council voted unani-

Fifth-grader Lance Rodriguez said he has been bullied at the Howard Beach school.

mously on bills implementing reporting requirements and improving access to resources to help prevent bullying.

Introduction 1538-A would require DOE to post on its website information regarding how to report incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation or discrimination, including information about to which school staff such reports may be made; email addresses designated by DOE to receive reports of such incidents;

Photo Courtesy of Google

incidents.

“When enacted, this bill will make principals and other administrators aware of bullying inside of their schools—the first step toward addressing the issue. I thank the speaker and my colleagues for supporting this important effort,” said Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights).

Introduction 1757-A would require DOE to report every six months on the number of material incidents of student-tostudent bullying, harassment, intimidation or discrimination in violation of Chancellor’s Regulation A-832, as well as the number of complaints received, disaggregated by community school district and individual high school. The bill would also require the DOE to annually report on supports it provides related to preventing, reporting, and addressing such incidents, any trends seen in the data, any recommendations the DOE has to address such trends, and, for each school, whether the school has completed the training required pursuant to Chancellor’s Regulation A-832. Additionally, the bill would require reports to include information regarding notices sent to parents of both students who have been targeted by bullying behavior and those who have been engaged in bullying behavior.

and information guiding students, parents and staff members to visit their individual school websites for more information. It would also require DOE to include on each individual school’s website information regarding how to report incidents of bullying, harassment, intimidation or discrimination; the name, email address and phone number of the school’s dignity act coordinator; and any email addresses designated by DOE to receive reports of such THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 50 DECEMBER 14, 2017 | 3

Jamaica Man Charged in Insurance Fraud Scheme

GREAT CD RATES!

12- Month CD

Meeks allegedly handed over the keys to a BMW X5 to an undercover officer, who then handed Meeks $2,000 in cash. The transaction allegedly took place on this South Ozone Park block.

According to Brown, Meeks was additionally arraigned on a separate criminal complaint A Jamaica man has been charged with act- charging him with third-degree grand larceny, ing as a “middleman” in an undercover insur- third-degree criminal possession of stolen ance fraud sting operation involving vehicles property, third-degree insurance fraud, firstthat had been falsely reported as stolen by degree falsifying business records and fifththeir owners in order to get large insurance degree conspiracy. Meeks, who faces up to an settlements, Queens District Attorney Richard additional seven years in prison if convicted on these charges, was again ordered released under Brown announced on Friday.

According to Brown, two vehicle owners supervision and to return to court on Dec. 19.

In the second complaint, Brown noted, also have been arrested and the investigation – which is being conducted by the City Police Meeks allegedly had two other similar teleDepartment’s Auto Crime Division and the phone conversations with the undercover offiDA’s Auto Crime and Insurance Fraud Unit – is cer in March, in which Meeks separately stated that he had a vehicle to sell – in one instance, continuing with more arrests expected.

Keith Meeks, 29, of Jamaica, and Chris- a 2015 Dodge Journey for $2,500 and in the topher Vidal, 28, of the Bronx were arraigned other, a GMC Yukon for $3,000.In both cases, last Wednesday night on a criminal complaint Meeks and the undercover allegedly met at charging them with third-degree grand larceny, prearranged Queens locations and completed third-degree insurance fraud, first-degree falsi- their transactions. As before, it is alleged that fying business records, fifth-degree conspiracy in each instance Meeks told the undercover and third-degree falsely reporting an incident. officer that he would need the vehicle key reMeeks was released under supervision and turned to him so that the car owner could make Vidal was released on his own recognizance. a false insurance claim for theft of the vehicle.

Each faces up to seven years in prison if con- And, just like the BMW, the vehicles were subvicted. They were ordered to return to court on sequently secured in police custody and the vehicle keys were each marked with a unique Dec. 19.

According to the charges, Vidal conspired identifier before being returned to Meeks.

In both instances the registered owners of with Meeks by delivering his 2008 BMW X5 to Meeks with the understanding that he would the vehicles falsely reported that their vehicles then dispose of the vehicle. Meeks allegedly had been stolen in Brooklyn during a period telephoned an undercover officer – who was of time when the vehicles were in possession posing as somebody who shipped cars over- of the NYPD. Insurance claims in excess of seas – on March 1 and told him that he had a $3,000 were filed with GEICO for the Dodge 2008 BMW X5 to sell for $2,000. That evening, and with Allstate for the GMC Yukon. GEICO Meeks allegedly arrived in front of a house on paid out an amount in excess of $20,000 on the 122nd Avenue in South Ozone Park driving a Dodge claim, and Allstate paid out an amount BMW X5, and the undercover officer handed in excess of $10,000 on the Yukon claim.

In a third criminal complaint, Lance Dottin, Meeks $2,000 in cash in exchange for the BMW’s key. During the transaction, Meeks al- 42, of Brooklyn, was arraigned last Thursday on legedly told the undercover that he would need charges of third-degree grand larceny, thirdthe key returned to him so that the car owner degree criminal possession of stolen property, could return it to the insurance company as evi- third-degree insurance fraud, first-degree falsidence of the vehicle’s “stolen” nature. The vehi- fying business records, fifth-degree conspiracy cle was subsequently secured in police custody and third-degree falsely reporting an incident. and the vehicle key was marked with a unique Dottin was released under supervision and oridentifier before being returned to Meeks the dered to return to court on Feb. 1. If convicted, he, too, faces up to seven years in prison. following day.

Dottin, the owner of the Journey, allegedly Vidal allegedly reported that his vehicle had been stolen in Brooklyn sometime between conspired with Meeks to commit insurance March 1 and March 3. An insurance claim val- fraud and other crimes in connection with his ued at more than $3,000 allegedly was filed vehicle. A check of the Journey’s registration with GEICO. As part of the claim, Vidal alleg- information by police allegedly revealed that edly submitted a key to the BMW to the insur- Lance had reported the vehicle stolen, claiming ance company and that it contained the unique that he had last seen it on March 7 – six days afidentifier that the police had previously placed ter the NYPD took possession of it – and thereafter filed an insurance claim with GEICO. on the key.

4 DECEMBER 14, 2017 • Number 50 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

24-Month CD

By Forum Staff

36- Month CD

1.75% 1.90% 2.30%

APY*

APY*

APY*

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

Camera Shield www.habbank.com

Your safety is our concern

Camera Shield

Camera InstallationYour safety is WI-FI Setup DVR-PPOE Setup our concern

No monthly Fees!

Own your own system Lorex, Hikvision, Dahua and more Camera InstallationWI-FI Setup DVR-PPOE Setup No monthly Fees!

Own your own system Lorex, Hikvision, Dahua and more

Serving the five boroughs, Westchester and Long Island

Miguel Reyes CCTV/IP Camera Installation Serving the five boroughs, 917.662.5373 Westchester and Long Island Miguelreyes@gmail.com Miguel Reyes

Bungled Subway Tunnel Terror Attack Still Shocks City

By Michael V. Cusenza

By noon on Monday, the City Police Department and federal authorities had already begun reaching out to the public for help with the investigation: “The NYPD & @NewYorkFBI are looking to speak to anyone who was a witness at this morning’s explosion in the Port Authority Bus Terminal or that has information…” the department wrote on Twitter.

According to the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office, on Monday, at approximately 7:20 a.m., an improvised explosive device detonated inside a subway tunnel in or around the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal at West 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue. Shortly after the blast, members of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department located a man later identified as Akayed

Brooklyn resident Akayed Ullah has been charged in Monday’s incident.

Ullah lying on the ground in the vicinity of the explosion. According to federal officials, surveillance footage captured Ullah walking through the terminal immediately prior to the explosion, and then falling to the ground after

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

the IED had detonated.

Ullah was subsequently taken into custody by law enforcement. During the course of Ullah’s arrest, officers located on his person and in the surrounding area what appeared to be

the components of an exploded pipe bomb.

The Brooklyn resident was charged on Tuesday with the detonation and attempted detonation of a bomb. In all, five people were hurt in the blast, with Ullah incurring the most severe injuries.

As he was taken into custody, Ullah made statements to cops after waiving his Miranda rights, federal authorities noted. Ullah admitted to, among other things, constructing the pipe bomb in his Flatlands apartment and carrying out the attack “for the Islamic State.”

Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill said Ullah’s act of terror “accomplished nothing.”

“It has not changed our way of life,” he continued. “It was a cowardly act, fueled by a false sense of purpose—motivated by propaganda in the shadows of the internet. What is clear is the resolve of New Yorkers to live in a free society, devoid of fear.”

Pregnant South Ozone Park NY Sex Assault Crisis & Mom Found after Prevention Programs Set Mysterious Disappearance to Receive $6.5M in Grants

By Forum Staff

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

Kaur vanished on Tuesday and was found wandering the streets of Lower Manhattan on Friday.

By Michael V. Cusenza The perplexing tale of a pregnant South Ozone Park mom who mysteriously vanished for three days ended on a positive note last Friday morning with the woman being found, safe and sound, in Manhattan.

According to authorities, Amarjit Kaur, 34, a mother of 7-year-old twins who is six weeks’ pregnant, disappeared after running an errand on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at approximately 10:30 a.m. at the Chase Bank on Liberty Avenue and 118th Street, not far from her 128th Street residence.

The case took a vexing turn when investigators discovered her car parked in a spot on 113th Street with her cell phone inside.

Surveillance footage secured from a nearby store showed Kaur parking the car, talking on the phone for about five minutes, then exiting the vehicle and walking away. She was supposed to pick up the twins from school that afternoon, but never did.

Kaur was found wandering the streets of Lower Manhattan on Friday around 6 a.m.

She was taken to a hospital for observation.

“On the face of it, it does not appear that she is a victim of a crime, but we are still investigating why she disappeared,” a police source told the New York Daily News.

The News also noted that the NYPD is performing an “internal review” to learn why Kaur’s husband’s report to police was initially characterized as “unfounded.”

Nearly $6.5 million in grants have been awarded to 55 State-approved anti-sexual assault crisis and prevention programs operated by hospitals, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies across New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday.

According to the administration, the grants will help fund local crisis hotlines and direct services for sexual assault victims, such as crisis counseling, advocacy and trauma therapy, and support prevention and educa- and university campuses. Among other provition in schools, on college campuses and in sions, the law provided another $4.5 million in funding for rape crisis programs across New communities.

Fifteen of the 55 programs are located in York.

“Two years ago, Governor Cuomo enthe five boroughs.

“Sexual assault is a scourge on our com- acted the toughest policy in the nation to fight munities and college campuses and with this sexual assault on college campuses. Today, we funding, we offer vital resources to victims of are focusing on prevention and advocacy, prothis heinous crime,” Cuomo said. “With this viding funding for programs at hospitals, nonaid, these critically important organizations profit organizations and government agenwill be able to improve existing services, es- cies, and getting victims the help they need to tablish new programs, and better reach New recover from this unconscionable crime,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “New York has reYorkers in need of help.”

According to the State, the funding also soundingly said enough is enough and we are will support community education, training putting our foot down when it comes to sexual for advocates and sexual assault forensic ex- assault.”

Office of Victim Services Director Elizaaminers.

The $6.5 million awarded last week rep- beth Cronin added, “Sexual assault is a crime resents funding from three State agencies: a that leaves its victims both physically and psytotal of $2.8 million from the Office of Vic- chologically wounded. These programs serve tim Services; $2.7 million from the Division as pillars of support for rape and sexual assault of Criminal Justice Services; and $1 million victims as they embark on their road to recovfrom the Department of Health. The Division ery. By providing additional resources to these of Criminal Justice Services will administer state-approved programs, our hope is that the one-year grants. To be eligible for funding, they will be able to help even more victims as programs were required to be approved by the they recover from their ordeal.”

Photo Courtesy of the Office of the GovState Department of Health.

On Thursday, the State also noted that in ernor “With this funding, we offer vital re2015 Cuomo signed into law the “Enough Is Enough” Act, which aims to put an end to sex- sources to victims of this heinous crime,” Gov. ual assault and domestic violence on college Cuomo said.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 50 DECEMBER 14, 2017 | 5

NYPD Sex Sting Nets Guilty Plea from Bayside Teacher Caught Trying to Meet 14-Year-Old Girl

By Forum Staff A substitute special education teacher has plead guilty to an indictment that charges him with an attempted criminal sexual act and other crimes after he was caught trying to meet with an undercover NYPD officer posing as a 14- yearold girl to perform oral sex on her in exchange for $500 in cash last July.

Christopher Tselios, 29, of 64th Avenue in Bayside was planning to leave the US permanently that same week, to teach kindergarten in South Korea.

“The defendant has admitted to

By Forum Staff Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown today announced that a 37-year-old East Elmhurst man has pleaded guilty to criminally possessing the 17-year-old tortoise by the name of Millenium (sic) that went missing from the Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) in Douglaston, Queens, in July 2017 and was found in Connecticut a week later. District Attorney Brown said, “Millenium the tortoise is safely back within the confines of his habitat at APEC and the person responsible for the illegal summer-time travel across state lines will also be confined - to Rikers Island. The defendant has now admitted his guilt and will go to jail as punishment for possessing the stolen reptile. Let this be a warning, that my office will pursue justice for all those in Queens County - including rare tortoises.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Shawn Waters, 37, of 103 Street in East rd Elmhurst,

trying to meet an underage teenager for sex and will now go to jail for his actions. This case underscores the crucial importance of internet surveillance by law enforcement to protect children from sexual predators. This case, and the many others my office has prosecuted over the years, should serve as a warning to parents that they must closely monitor their children’s internet activities,” said DA Brown. “Despite the numerous publicized arrests for exactly this type of behavior, sexual predators continue to relentlessly troll the internet for victims. Do not let your child become one of

them.”

Tselios, a NYC Department of Education substitute special education teacher until 2015, appeared before Queens Supreme Court Justice Richard L. Buchter and plead guilty to the four-count indictment pending against him: second-degree attempted criminal sexual act, first-degree attempted disseminating indecent material to minors, second-degree attempted patronizing a prostitute and attempted endangering the welfare of a child.

Tselios, had to surrender his passport following the criminal court arraignment and is out on

$50,000 bail. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2018, at which time he will be sentenced to three months in jail, ten years’ probation and be ordered to register as a sex offender with the state’s sex offender registry.

Authorities say that an NYPD vice detective – online and acting in an undercover capacity as a minor female child – responded to a CraigsList ad seeking “fun with a teen high schooler or younger” on July 26, 2016. Tselios wrote back and asked the “girl” her age. The undercover detective replied that he was 14 years old and an email

East Elmhurst Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen Tortoise

Millennium was returned to APEC safe and sound in July.

Queens. The defendant pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property today before Queens Criminal Court Judge Gia Morris, who indicated she will sentence Waters to six months in jail on January 18, 2018. District Attorney Brown said that, according to the charges, an employee at the

Forum photo courtesy of APEC

Alley Pond Environmental Center realized that Millenium, an African spurred tortoise, was missing at approximately 4:00 p.m. on July 16, 2017. Staffers noticed a hole in the rear fence near the tortoise habitat at the time of Millenium’s disappearance. The 95-pound reptile is estimated to be 17 years old and

is valued at approximately $2,500.

According to the charges, District AttorneyBrown continued, a Stamford, Connecticut, man posted an ad on Craigslist stating he was selling a musk turtle and a day later he received a cell phone call from a man who told him he was interested in trading an African spurred

exchange ensued, including the exchange of photos. Tselios was sent a photo of a female undercover officer. He suggested meeting the teen to “fool around.” In an email dated July 29, 2016, Tselios offered the girl a $500 incentive and arranged to meet her at 11:00 p.m. at an eatery in Forest Hills, Queens. The undercover female officer, whose picture was sent to Tselios, waited at the agreed upon location and just after midnight Tselios walked in and said “let’s go.” Tselios was arrested after he and the “girl” arrived at his parked car. Police recovered $500 in cash in his possession.

tortoise for his musk turtle. On July 23, 2017, the Connecticut man met with the caller at the Fairfield, Connecticut, Metro North train station and traded his turtle plus $300 for the African spurred tortoise. The next day on July 24, 2017, a detective from the NYPD’s 111 Detective Squad recovered the African th spurred tortoise from the Connecticut man, who saw news reports about Millenium going missing. An APEC employee confirmed the tortoise’s identity and Millenium was returned to his home. District Attorney Brown added, according to the complaint, that the cell phone used by the man who had offered to trade the African spurred tortoise came back to Waters. During a conversation with an NYPD detective, the defendant stated, in sum and substance, that he had indeed spoken to the Connecticut man about exchanging reptiles and met with him to trade the tortoise for the turtle.

Things to know about returning to school Upon taking inventory of their lives at the start of a new year, some people entertain thoughts of returning to school.

Adults who decide to return to school after a long layoff are following a popular path.

According to the education resource Education Corner, a growing number of career colleges and vocational training schools now offer bachelor's and graduate degree programs geared toward working adults.

People return to school for various reasons, including the chance to learn new skills or further develop their existing skills. Some return to school because they are changing careers, while others may have lost a job or

desire a promotion and feel that attaining a higher level of education or new skills can make reaching that goal more likely.

Adults who hope to return to school might be surprised to learn that the educational landscape has changed considerably since they were last in a classroom.

College students are no longer just young men and women who begin pursuing degrees right out of high school. In fact, the number of adults returning to the classroom has increased considerably, often making younger students the exception rather than the rule, says the college financial planner Straighter Line. According to the U.S. Department of Education, college students 25 years or older

6 DECEMBER 14, 2017 • Number 50 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

comprise 40 percent of all students enrolled in college. · Adults who are thinking about returning to school are urged to fill out the free applications for student aid to see if they qualify.

Grants and scholarships may be available, and some workers find that employers may match funds or offer some assistance to finance job training courses. · Many schools now offer online courses that make it easier for working adults to pursue their degrees.

Many working adults are returning to school to pursue new or advanced degrees, as more colleges and universities are facilitating such pursuits.

Man Sentenced to 24 Years to Life in Prison after Botched Robbery Ends in Murder

By Forum Staff A 36-year-old Queens man was sentenced to 24 years to life in prison following a jury conviction on murder and attempted robbery charges in a March 2015 robbery plot that went awry when the victim resisted.

Russhawn Lindsay, 36, of 157th Street in Kew Gardens Hills was the gunman in the attempted robbery. Last month, a jury unanimously found him guilty of second-degree murder, first- degree attempted robbery and second-degree criminal possession of a weap-

on. He was sentenced by Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise who presided over the trial.

Authorities say Lindsay was approached by the victim’s girlfriend, who coordinated with another individual. The trio plotted to have the victim, 33-year-old Michael Jonathan, robbed.

And on March 26, 2015, the defendant confronted Jonathan on Fonda Avenue in Jamaica.

He pointed a gun at him and demanded cash.

But the victim resisted and the two men struggled for the gun. Lindsay fatally shot Jonathan in the stomach.

Jonathan’s girlfriend has been indicited and

her case is pending.

District Attorney Brown said, “A jury weighed all the evidence and found the defendant guilty of multiple crimes, including murder. This was a senseless act of violence. The defendant - driven by greed and avarice - thought he had an easy robbery target. Instead, a tense confrontation escalated into a needless shooting with an innocent man dead. The defendant now faces a lengthy term of incarceration.”

Photo Courtesy of State Department of Correction

Russhawn Lindsay

Brooklyn Man Convicted in Attempted Burglary of Bayside Home

By Forum Staff Fabio E. Abreu, of Brooklyn, has been convicted of the July 2016 attempted burglary of a Bayside residence equipped with a video surveillance system.

Abreu was apprehended the day after the failed burglary when a 911 caller – having seen the photograph still that the homeowner posted on social media – made a report that he saw the wanted suspect in a nearby park.

District AttorneyBrown said, “This defendant attempted to break into a private residence that was prepared and waiting for his arrival. As the defendant jumped over a locked fence, looked in multiple windows and attempted to open the back

door, all of his actions were being recorded on a home video system. Stills from the video were later uploaded to a social media site which resulted in his apprehension and conviction.”

Abreu was convicted last week on charges of second-degree attempted burglary and third-degree criminal trespass before Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Gene Lopez, who set sentencing for January 9, 2018, at which time Abreu faces up to seven years in prison.

Trial testimony shows that Abreu was observed on video jumping over a locked fence of a residence located on 223rd Street on July 24, 2016, and entering the backyard.

While in the backyard, Abreu was ob-

served trying to open windows and doors in an attempt to gain entry into the residence.

At the residence’s backdoor, Abreu noticed the surveillance cameras. In an attempt to cover his tracks, he went to the front door, where he triggered the Ring. com (doorbell camera) that captured his face.

The homeowner posted a still picture of Abreu on a community Facebook page.

The following day a 911 caller made a report that he saw Abreu in a park.

Photo Courtesy of Ring

The Ring doorbell camera captured an image of Abreu’s face before he fleed.

Whitestone Man Charged with Stealing Catalytic Converters from Borough Vehicles

By Forum Staff A Whitestone, Queens, man has been charged with stealing more than a dozen catalytic converters from vehicles parked on various streets throughout Queens County between October and December this year.

Poice say Michael Cipriati,33, of 11th Avenue in Whitestone sold many of the stolen car parts to a recycling facility in the Bronx for cash.

DA Richard brown said, “With the price of scrap metal continuing to increase, mechanically inclined thieves are growing more brazen with their schemes. In this case, the defendant is alleged to have stripped vehicles of their catalytic converters while parked on various streets throughout Queens and in many instances sold the part for cash to a recycling facility, While stolen catalytic converters can reportedly fetch a thief a few hundred dollars, the cost to the car owners is much higher - in both replacing the expensive device as well as a possible jump in car insurance rates.” The DA noted that his office has focused on reducing auto and auto related crimes and has made great strides since 1991, his first

possession of stolen property, petit larceny, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. According to the criminal charges, between October 20, 2017, and December 6, 2017, the defendant removed 15 catalytic converters from various vehicles parked in neighborhoods throughout Queens. The converters were stolen from a wide range of American and foreign vehicles, including, Chevy, Ford, Mercedes and BMW. Cipriati was observed removing the catalytic converters from vehicles and/or cell phone records revealed that the defendant’s mobile phone was in the area at the time the expensive car parts were swiped. In addition, on at least 11 of the occasions the catalytic converters were stolen, the defenPhoto Courtesy of Amazon dant was selling the car part for that vehicle A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device. on the same day to Alpha Recycling in the Bronx. Finally, it is alleged that at the time year as DA. Since then he said, “the rate of of the law.” vehicle thefts in Queens has plunged more Cipriati was arraigned Thursday night of the defendant’s arrest, Cipriati was obthan 90 percent. This accomplishment can before Queens Criminal Court Judge Toko served driving a Mercedes Benz while his be attributed in part to driving home this Serita on a complaint charging him with license was suspended and two Oxycodon message: If you steal autos and auto parts third-degree criminal mischief, fourth- pills were in the defendant’s possession.

If convicted, Cipriati faces up to four in Queens County, you will be caught and degree grand larceny, second-degree auto you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent stripping, fourth- and fifth-degree criminal years in prison.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 50 DECEMBER 14, 2017 | 7

New York Officials Rip Congress, NRA for Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act

By Michael V. Cusenza Elected New York officials and law enforcement leaders over the past seven days have roundly ripped Congress and the National Rifle Association for the controversial Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, which was approved by the House of Representatives in a vote last Wednesday afternoon.

The bill permits an individual with a gun license issued in one state to carry a concealed firearm in any state in the union, regardless of each state’s firearm possession standards and laws.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) sounded the alarm on the “dangerous” legislation back in October, saying it would “put the safety of New York residents and law enforcement officials at risk.”

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman accused the House of voting “to strip New York law enforcement of their right to enforce common sense policies that keep New Yorkers safe from the scourge of gun violence.”

“New York has some of the strongest gun laws in the country,” he continued.

“This bill could return New York to the bad old days, by rolling back the protections that have reduced gun-related deaths in New York State to some of the lowest

The House of Representatives voted last Wednesday to approve the controversial legislation.

rates in the nation. This lowest-commondenominator approach would undermine states’ basic responsibility to protect our communities – including by determining who may carry a concealed, loaded gun within our borders. It would risk the lives of our families and our law enforcement of-

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

ficers, while facilitating gun trafficking and promoting mass violence. With each tragedy, we lament the loopholes in our federal gun laws. Today, the House just voted to create a huge new one. I urge the Senate to reject this disastrous legislation.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo echoed

Schumer’s sentiments, saying the proposed law puts “all New Yorkers” at risk.

“This legislation would let individuals from out-of-state convicted of certain crimes carry hidden, loaded weapons in New York, in violation of New York’s much better, safer law,” he added. “Only the NRA could propose something so ill-considered, dangerous and vile. New York passed the strongest gun safety measures in the country, and instead of joining the fight against senseless gun violence, Washington is trying to make New York and the rest of the nation less safe.”

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said “we must do all within our power” to see that the act does not become federal law.

“As prosecutors and law enforcement officials, it is imperative that we join together and be heard as one in denouncing the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. For the last 20 years, New Yorkers have witnessed a historical and dramatic drop in violent crime, due in large measure to having among the toughest gun control laws in the nation,” Brown noted. “The enactment of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act has the strong potential of undoing the city’s downward trend in crime by allowing individuals with weapon permits from states with lax gun laws to carry a concealed weapon on our streets, putting both our police and our citizens at risk.”

QUEENS EXPRESS LUBE CENTER

Full Line of

Products

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

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

10% off for all UBER. LYFT & TLC CUSTOMERS

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

8 DECEMBER 14, 2017 • Number 50 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

If you're popping the question for Christmas...

Open 7 Days A Week Until Christmas MON-SAT 10-7 SUN 11-5

Let us help!

It's always time for a Movado...

CHARMING! Charming!

We carry a wide variety of fine watches including Movado, Seiko, Citizen, and Bulova.

AUTHORIZED MOVADO DEALER

We Buy Gold, High End Watches And Diamonds

Marlowe Jewelers

Follow Us On

160-55 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach

718-323-8730 • 718-843-1987

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 50 DECEMBER 14, 2017 | 9

NYPD Touts Teamwork of Hero Officers at Ozone Park Blaze

Police Officers Nicholas Cupolo, Frank Sarro, and Terryann Ferguson.

By Forum Staff The City Police Department on Friday praised the heroic actions of four 106th Precinct officers who rescued a man and helped other residents safely escape a burning Ozone Park building last month.

According to police reports, on Thursday, Nov. 23, around 9:30 p.m., Neighborhood Coordination Officers John Fox and Frank Sarro (Sector C – Northern Ozone Park) were on patrol when they noticed heavy smoke along Liberty Avenue. As the cops stopped their vehicle to investigate the situation, they were met by Officers Nicholas Cupolo and his partner Terryann Ferguson, who had also stopped after noticing the plumes.

They quickly determined that a residential building on Liberty Avenue near 131st Street was on fire.

After radioing dispatch to notify the Fire Department, the four officers entered the

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

building to help evacuate it. According to the NYPD, Sarro and Cupolo stayed as low to the floor as possible, crawling under the smoke to alert residents. They banged on a secondfloor apartment door and encountered a 31-year-old man who had been unaware of the blaze. The officers escorted the man from the building; he was later treated at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

“There was a lot of smoke, and we saw the fire inside the apartment,” Fox recalled. “I’m glad that we were able to get the man out in time.”

According to department officials, after helping other people to safety, the four officers then went to a banquet next door and notified a group attending a party of the fastspreading fire.

“These officers demonstrated courage in an extreme environment,” added Capt. Brian Bohannon, commanding officer of the 106th Precinct.

Two Wanted for Lefferts 7-Eleven Cigarette Heist in identifying two men wanted in connection with a robbery of a Kew Gardens 7-Eleven last month. According to police reports, the two suspects walked into the Lefferts Boulevard franchise on Monday, Nov. 13, around 4:15 a.m. As one man acted as a look out, the other removed a bin of cigarettes totaling $3,000 from behind the counter. Both men fled the location to parts unknown. There were no reported injuries, cops said.

The perpetrators are described as black men, 19-25 years old, with dark complexions; Suspect 1 was last seen wearing a black shirt, while Suspect 2 was last seen wearing a black hoodie and a black coat.

Anyone with information is asked to Photo Courtesy of NYPD The two suspects made off with a bin of cigarettes worth call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at $3,000.

(800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also subBy Michael V. Cusenza mit info by logging onto NYPDCrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 Detectives assigned to the 102nd Precinct (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All corresponreached out to the public on Friday for help dences are strictly confidential.

10 DECEMBER 14, 2017 • Number 50 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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

When The Swelling Gets Tough--Dealing with Edema Many people suffer from swelling of the feet and ankles, a painful and difficult chronic condition.

While there are many reasons for such swelling, some of them can be treated through the use of compression socks and/or medications and supplements, while others could signal serious medical problems involving the heart, lungs, kidneys or thyroid.

Make sure you investigate the source of the edema you are facing and work with your doctor and your pharmacist to relive the swelling and prevent it from recurring.

Swollen feet can be caused by excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues, generally painless, usually found in older people, overweight persons, pregnant women or a consequence of long periods in standing or sitting position.

Here are some of the actions that you can take to reduce the swelling: --Put a pillow under your legs when resting to keep the feet in a higher position than the rest of the body --Wear elastic stockings that your pharmacist can help you choose according to measurements and degree of compression --Do not spend too much time seated or staying in the same position

--Exercise can reduce swelling of the legs. Blood flows naturally from the legs to the heart. Exercises stimulates normal blood circulation.

--Raising the legs above the heart-promotes blood circulation to the brain --Weight loss-obesity slows blood circulation in the entire body. Losing weight helps blood to circulate better and can reduce inflammation in the extremities.

--Reduce salt intake and adopt a balanced diet Finally you can try these two fairly successful home remedies: Applications with vinegar – alternation, one hot, another cold is an alternative treatment for leg swelling. Mix two equal parts of water and vinegar soak a towel, and apply for 7-10 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times.

-Boil 250 ml water, 1 / 2 tablespoon molasses 1 tablespoon anise. Keep it boiling until only a half of the mixture will remain. Drink this mixture in three or four rounds during the day as it can reduce swelling of the feet, provided it is not triggered by a chronic disease.

Remember if the swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or any discomfort in the chest, seek medical help immediately.

Stay warm…Until next time.

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.

Civic Hosts Santa, Community at Annual Holiday Party

The Richmond Hill Block Association’s annual holiday party on Saturday featured families, fun, and a visit from a certain North Pole native who always seems to be quite busy this time of year.

That’s right: Santa Claus swung by the One Stop Richmond Hill Community Center on Jamaica Avenue to visit area

kids—even those who find themselves on the Naughty List right now.

“Christmas spirit is in the air! Santa is taking pictures with the kids at the Richmond Hill Block Association,” Capt.

Courtney Nilan, commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, wrote on Twitter.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

Three Borough Residents Part of Mob Crew Indicted on Racketeering and Related Charges

By Forum Staff Six reputed members and associates of the Gambino organized crime family and one reputed member of the Bonanno family have been indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy, including predicate acts of loansharking, operating illegal gambling businesses, narcotics distribution conspiracy, and obstruction of justice conspiracy, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York announced on Tuesday.

The 13-count superseding indictment was unsealed in Central Islip federal court and relates to the alleged criminal activities of John “Johnny Boy” Ambrosio, Frank “Frankie Boy” Salerno, Thomas Anzalone, Alessandro “Sandro” Damelio, Joseph Durso, Anthony Rodolico and Anthony Saladino. Anzalone, Damelio, and Salerno live in Queens. According to federal authorities, their crimes allegedly occurred on Long Island, in Brooklyn, and elsewhere between January 2014 and December 2017.

As alleged in the indictment, Ambrosio conducted a lucrative loansharking operation in which he, Anzalone, Rodolico, Saladino and others extended extortionate loans to, and used extortionate means to collect from numerous individuals, of-

Photo Courtesy of DOJ

Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget Rohde announced the indictment on Tuesday.

ten charging exorbitant interest rates and employing violent collection methods.

For instance, in an intercepted conversation with Ambrosio, an individual asked for Ambrosio’s help collecting a debt and recounted telling the debtor, “I don’t know if you know who I am and where I come from, but I promise you, you will never walk again.” Ambrosio and Rodolico also

allegedly attempted to obstruct the federal grand jury proceeding into their criminal activities by intimidating a loanshark victim into lying to law enforcement.

Ambrosio also was involved with a variety of gambling operations, including illegal poker games, electronic gaming machines and internet sports betting, with Damelio, Durso, Salerno and Saladino be-

ing responsible for many of the day-to-day operations, according to the indictment.

Additionally, Anzalone, Damelio, Durso, Saladino and Salerno distributed a variety of narcotics, including cocaine, marijuana and Xanax, as alleged in the indictment. Saladino and Salerno allegedly engaged in the distribution of wholesale quantities of cocaine, including 12 separate sales to an undercover member of law enforcement totaling over half a kilogram.

“Today’s arrests represent a major disruption of La Costra Nostra’s activities on Long Island,” said acting U.S. Attorney Bridget Rohde. “As alleged, the defendants engaged in a wide range of illegal and violent conduct in furtherance of their criminal enterprise. The superseding indictment sends a message that this office, together with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to diminishing these organized crime families and their deleterious effect on our communities.”

Rohde noted that, if convicted, Ambrosio, Anzalone, Damelio, Durso and Rodolico face a maximum of 20 years in prison. Saladino and Salerno each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the cocaine conspiracy offenses.

City Moves to Convert Cluster Sites into Affordable Housing for Homeless Families

By Michael V. Cusenza Arguably the most formidable albatross of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s first four years in office, the homeless crisis shows no signs of slowing in Hizzoner’s second term.

In what de Blasio characterized this week as “an historic move” to address the dilemma, the City will help not-for-profit developers acquire and rehabilitate residential “cluster site” buildings, currently used to house homeless families, and convert them into permanent affordable housing.

And if negotiations to buy cluster sites are not successful, the City will use eminent domain to acquire the properties, de Blasio declared on Tuesday.

“Our city’s homelessness crisis wasn’t created overnight and it won’t be solved overnight. It requires us to come up with creative and bold new strategies to help those on the street and those in need of shelter and affordable permanent housing,” the mayor said. “This initiative will transform dozens of dilapidated temporary apartments into quality, permanently affordable homes. The effort is a clear sign that we will go to any length necessary to help our

Photo Courtesy of Edwin Torres/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor de Blasio made the cluster site announcement at the Banana Kelly Resident Council in the Bronx.

neighbors get back on their feet.”

In February, de Blasio unveiled “Turning the Tide on Homelessness, Neighborhood by Neighborhood,” the administration’s 114page vision to tackle the crisis. One of the three strategies outlined in the borough-based plan called for completely eliminating the use of cluster apartment units – a practice the City has relied on over the past 17 years – by the end of 2021,

and commercial hotel facilities by the end of 2023. The ambitious arrangement also commits to reducing the current number of shelter sites by 45 percent; and keeping homeless New Yorkers closer to their communities and supports that they need.

To achieve the goals set in “Turning the Tide…” the City said it has to shutter cluster sites through “negotiated resolution or

use of eminent domain.” The administration noted that it is financing the acquisition of cluster buildings by locally-based nonprofit developers, who will rehabilitate them working with the City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, creating affordable housing for homeless families and returning rent-stabilized units to market while utilizing a new strategy to end the use of clus-

ter apartments for homeless families. The new owners will enter a regulatory agreement with HPD to ensure the long-term affordability of the cluster apartments as housing for homeless families and other low-income New Yorkers.

According to the administration, during the transition, the cluster apartments will continue to be operated as shelter for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, with funding and services provided by the City Department of Homeless Services. Homeless families residing at these locations that are prepared for housing permanency at the point of transition to nonprofit ownership will be offered the opportunity to remain as tenants with a new rent-stabilized lease if they wish to remain in the building, officials noted. All nonhomeless tenants living in a cluster building at the time of purchase will also be given a new rent-stabilized lease that offers additional protections under HPD’s regulatory agreement.

The City has so far identified 25 to 30 cluster site buildings that qualify. Only buildings where 50 percent or more of apartments are cluster apartments will be considered.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 50 DECEMBER 14, 2017 | 11

EDITORIAL RIP 'TIDE' We have blasted the de Blasio administration on myriad subjects, with his (lack of) handling of the homeless crisis that has marred our beloved borough and Big Apple for years—and seemingly growing worse—a repeated target.

And after studying the bright idea put forth by the administration this week, we can confidently confirm that an end to Hizzoner’s missteps where the most unfortunate of us are concerned is nowhere in sight.

De Blasio announced on Tuesday that the City will help not-for-profit developers acquire and rehabilitate residential “cluster site” buildings, currently used to house homeless families, and convert them into permanent affordable housing.

The cherry on the sundae: The mayor declared that if negotiations to buy cluster sites are not successful, the City will use eminent domain to acquire the properties.

Tuesday’s announcement is part of de Blasio’s broader “Turning the Tide on Homelessness, Neighborhood by Neighborhood,” vision to tackle the crisis, which he unveiled with great fanfare back in February. One of the three strategies outlined in the 114-page, borough-based plan called for completely eliminating the

use of cluster apartment units – a practice the City has relied on over the past 17 years – by the end of 2021, and commercial hotel facilities by the end of 2023.

The ambitious arrangement also commits to reducing the current number of shelter sites by 45 percent; and keeping homeless New Yorkers closer to their communities and supports that they need.

And so, in order to achieve the goals set in “Turning the Tide…” the City said

it has to shutter cluster sites through “negotiated resolution or use of eminent domain.”

Right.

There was no shortage of carefully choreographed pats on the back waiting for Hizzoner as he announced the new “plan.” Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks, who probably should have been handed his walking papers last year after the Maspeth hotel

debacle – where the City attempted to rent rooms from a Holiday Inn Express for homeless families without consulting the community – had this to say: “Addressing a crisis decades in the making demands aggressive action that leaves no stone unturned. As we end the Giuliani-era cluster program, already reducing citywide use by more than a third, this strategy is part of our commitment to using every tool at our disposal to help New Yorkers in need get back on their feet—while also creating permanent housing for homeless families and preserving affordability for thousands of New Yorkers for years to come. Today’s announcement should make crystal clear that we mean business, moving forward on every front to phase out this 17-yearold stop-gap measure once and for all in our mission to better serve homeless New Yorkers and all New Yorkers.”

Ugh. One astute borough blogger put it best this week: “In other words, we’re condemning buildings that already house homeless families in order to turn them over to someone else and then reclassifying the people living in them as ‘not homeless.’

This sounds like a plan. A bad one.”

Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP

Attorneys At Law

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

Catherine M. Stanton, Esq.

800.692.3717

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

12 DECEMBER 14, 2017 • Number 50 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

118-21 Queens Blvd.

Suite 302 Forest Hills, NY 11375

NASSAU 25 Newbridge Road Suite 203 Hicksville, NY 11801

Help Wanted OFFICE HELP: FEMALE AND MALE ALIKE. TO ANSWER PHONES, FILING, DATA ENTRY, ETC. WILL TRAIN. $36,000.00 PAY PLUS MEDICAL AND DENTAL 100% PAID, 401 K, 2 WEEKS PAID VACATION, HOLIDAY PAY. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. COME WORK FOR NEW YORK'S LARGEST PORTABLE SANITATION COMPANY. APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY- FRIDAY BET: 2:00PM AND 7:00PM. AT 304 CROSSBAY BLVD, BROAD CHANNEL QUEENS

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

APT FOR RENT

Help Wanted AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here ñGet trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students.

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

REAL ESTATE FARM ESTATE LIQUIDATION! OCTOBER 14TH! 16 TRACTS! COOPERSTOWN, NY! 5 to 28 acres from $19,900! Ponds, streams,Views, apple orchards! Terms avail! Call 888905-8847 To register. NewYorkLandan-

HOWARD BEACH 3 BR'S , BEAUTIFUL NEW FLOORING THROUGHOUT, UPDATED KITCHEN, S/S AP­ PLIANCES , NO PETS CABLE IN­ CLU DED $2350

call owner 646-547-6148 FARMING GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507 w w w. B a s e C a m p L e a s i n g . c o m

REMEMBER IF YOU SEE SOMETHING YOU'D BETTER SAY SOMETHING

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

3.5 rms Hi Rise CoOp, huge 1 bedrm ,top fl call now !

HOWARD BEACH

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

HOWARD BEACH/ RCKWD PK

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

Navigating the World of Real Estate Investor Finance?

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS WITH EXPRESS CAPITAL

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

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

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

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

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

Call us today…

Now is the perfect time to buy your first home.

SPECIAL FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS*

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

HOWARD BEACH

ground floor co-op, 3.5 rms LDbeautiful 1 bedrm, 1 bthOin Barkley bldg.Slots of closets and windows , corner unit call now !

SPECIAL FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS*

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

Call today.

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

for a free consultation with one of our representatives.

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

Info@gcareny.com

718-875-CARE (2273)

DONATE YOUR CAR

Wheels For Wishes Benefiting

Make-A-Wish® Metro New York

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

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

MEMBER FDIC

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

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 50 DECEMBER 14, 2017 | 13

Legal Notices Notice of Formation of OLLIE NY 29-26 NORTHERN LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/15/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Andrew Bledsoe, 757 Third Ave., 17th Fl., NY, NY 10017. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 108-10 72ND AVE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/14/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Franklin Baharestani, P.O. Box 750963, Forest Hills, NY 11375-0963.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

JW CAPITAL GROUP LLC Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 08/14/17. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 52-35 74TH STREET, ELMHURST, NY 11373. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of JULIE VOROBYOV, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/26/17.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Julie Soto, 154-68 27th Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NYATH GROUP LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/31/17. 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, 35-37 36th Street, 2nd Floor, Astoria, NY 11106.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SKYBOX MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLCArts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/07/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to:UNITED STATES COROPORATION AGENTS, INC. ,7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11228. PurNotice of Formation of JORIV LLC pose: Any lawful purpose.

Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY BRAYDEN PARKER LLC. Arts. of (SSNY) on 10/30/2017. Office locaOrg. filed with the SSNY on 11/10/17. tion: Queens County. SSNY Designated Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: JORIV LLC, 229 copy of process to the LLC, c/o Terence BEACH 148TH STREET, NEPONSIT, Tubridy, 155-17A Riverside Drive, BeechNY 11694. Purpose: any lawful activity. hurst, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purNotice of Formation of 505 GRAND- pose.

Notice of Formation of CLASSIC VIEW AVENUE LLC Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on HEIGHTS REALTY, LLC Arts. of Org. 2/22/2017. Office location: Queens filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on County. SSNY Designated as agent of 11/28/17. Office location: Queens CounLLC upon whom process against it may ty. Princ. office of LLC: 37-51 76th St., be served. SSNY shall mail copy of pro- Jackson Heights, NY 11372. SSNY desigcess to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY nated as agent of LLC upon whom process COMPANY, 505 GRANDVIEW AV- against it may be served. SSNY shall mail ENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Pur- process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity. pose: any lawful activity.

YAN TORRES CONSULTING,LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/18/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 219 S BARRY AVENUE, MAMARONECK, NY 10543. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

KSB OF NY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/01/17. 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, 131-20 Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11419.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 4632 VERNON LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/14/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Tuchman, Korngold, Weiss, Liebman & Gelles LLP, 6 E. 45th St., NY, NY 10017. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

LEE’S WELLNESS ACUPUNCTURE, PLLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 11/1/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 143-27 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Acupuncture.

14 DECEMBER 14, 2017 • Number 50 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Notice of Formation of SGK PROPERTIES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/22/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to GEORGIOS KOSMIDIS, P.O. BOX 5879, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of BRANDON RAMNARAIN PHYSICAL THERAPY, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/01/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 91-28 218th St., Queens Village, NY 11428. Purpose: to practice the profession of Physical Therapy.

Notice of Formation of 1445 St. Marks Avenue RCBS, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/29/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 217-02 Jamaica Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Chesford Estates RCBJ LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/29/17.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 217-02 Jamaica Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428. Purpose: any lawful activity.

TEDDYTORI LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/20/15. Latest date to dissolve: 12/31/2099. 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, 30-05 30th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of TMD EVENT TECHNOLOGIES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/23/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: C/O United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11228 Purpose: any lawful activity.

WE COURT YOUR LEGAL NOTICES For the best pricing & service CALL 718.845.3221

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 20 day of OCTOBER 2017, bearing Index Number NC-000546-17/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) SUZY(last) SIU. The city and state of my address is 63-36 83 rd.

Place, Middle Village, NY 11379-1950.

The date of my birth is JANUARY 22, 1971; place of my birth is MANHATTAN; my present name is (first) SOK (middle) WAH (last) SIU aka SUZY SIU. Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 4 day of DECEMBER 2017, bearing Index Number NC-000556-17/ 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) CHARLIE (middle) JOSE(last) SALCEDO. The city and state of my address is 116-48 Van Wyck Expressway, South Ozone Park, NY 11417. The date of my birth is MARCH 11, 1995; place of my birth is BROOKLYN, N Y; my present name is CHARLIE JOSE MEDINA

DID YOU KNOW?

Numerous studies have found that vacationing produces a host of health benefits. The ongoing Framingham Heart Study, which began in 1948 and is currently studying its third generation of participants, found that men who did not take a vacation for several years were 30 percent more likely to have heart attacks than men who took time off. In addition, the FHS found women who take a vacation only once every six years or less were nearly eight times as likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a heart attack as women who vacation at least twice per year. Vacations also have been linked to lower stress levels, as a study from the American Psychological Association concluded that vacations reduce stress by removing people from activities and environments that are the sources of their stress. Vacations can even benefit employers, as an internal study from the professional services firm Ernst & Young found that employees' year-end performance ratings improved by 8 percent for each additional 10 hours of vacation time they took

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 50 DECEMBER 14, 2017 | 15

We gladly accept phone orders!

718-835-4900

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

Mon.

Tues

Wed

Thurs.

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

15 16 17 18 19

20 21

Fresh caught

ATLANTIC SALMON

7

$ 99

PER LB.

Polly-o mozzarella cheese 16 oz Limit 3 offers

1

$ 99

w/card

Aquastar Raw Shrimp

Farm fresh

Homestyle

Cauliflower

Roast Beef

1 7 Botticelli EXCLUSIVE OFFER Extra virgin Olive Oil FOR FORUM READERS ONLY!

$ 99

each

$5 OFF

w/

$75.00 purchase

$ 99 per lb

Sliced to order

9

$ 99 w/card.

Limit 1 offer

Farm Fresh

Eggplant

2 lb bag 31-40 ct.

GOOD ONLY FROM 12/15 thru 12/21 ONE OFFER PER HOUSEHOLD NO OFFERS HONORED WITHOUT PRESENTING THIS COUPON

$

12

99

COUPON EXPIRES 12/21/17 ***Customer is responsible for tax and delivery

ACTUAL PRODUCT MAY NOT APPEAR AS SEEN IN INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS.

16 DECEMBER 14, 2017 • Number 50 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

¢

99

per lb

Key Food_131217_FORUM_N

Sale Dates