THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

VOL. 15 • NUMBER 38 • SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

Howard Beach • Ozone Park • South Ozone Park • Woodhaven • Richmond Hill • Broad Channel

OUT WITH THE BOLD… …IN WITH THE BLUE As Bratton Says Goodbye, Newly Minted Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill – a 33-Year Veteran of the Force – Takes the Reins of the NYPD, Looking to Familiar Finest Leaders like Former 106th Precinct Commander and New Chief of Department Carlos Gomez to Implement O’Neill’s Neighborhood-Based Policing Initiative across all Boroughs After 1,000 days in office, former Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, joined on Friday by wife Rikki Klieman (inset bot.), bade farewell to the NYPD and the de Blasio administration.

Gomez (inset top) is the NYPD’s first Hispanic Chief of Department.

See Story on Page 16 Photos Courtesy of the Mayoral Photography Office and the NYPD

Page 3

Terror Bomb Rocks Chelsea

Page 14

Body of Beloved Borough Flight Attendant Found

Page 19

Annual Loop Bike Ride Raises Funds for Autism, Diabetes Organizations

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 1

Halloween Treats! Pick 22-oz. bag, Twizzlers Snack Size or 10.35 to 11.6-oz., Any Variety

133-11 20th Ave., College Point

718-353-3705 • OPEN 6am to 11pm 7 Days a Week

10OFF 3

SAT

In-Store

Online & Mobile

1

On Sale thru Sat. 10/1

Pick Up/Delivery

5

Purchase Required

(excluding fuel and items prohibited by law)

Limit 2

Per Variety

2

144-oz. tot. wt. cans (Plus Dep. or Fee Where Req.) 12-oz. Cans, Dr Pepper, Sprite or Any Variety

• Coke Cans 12-Pack

.99 USDA CHOICE BEEF

lb.

lb.

Sale Prices: 3.49 lb. to 4.99 lb.

Price on package reflects Sale Retail

lb.

69

Boneless Beef Brisket

USDA CHOICE BEEF

Fresh, Jumbo Pack

Chicken Drumsticks or Thighs 5 to 12-oz. bag, Select Varieties

Dole Salad Blends

2 $4 for

Large

Sno White Cauliflower

Wish-Bone Salad Dressing

Limit 4

Per Variety

Honeydew Melon

lb.

•Tilapia Fillet

Your Choice!

6

14 to 16-oz. cont., Squeeze or

Limit 4

Per Variety

.80

Purex Ultra Laundry Detergent

99 lb.

1

88

Per Variety

lb.

7 lb.

1-lb. pkg., Quarters, Salted or Unsalted (Excluding Organ ic)

ShopRite Butter

Limit 4

Per Variety

349

$

Look for

5.00 OFF 2

MFR Coupon in Most Sunday Papers

Must Buy 2 Limit 1 Offer

1

Limit 4

Per Variety

22-oz.

.30

299

.41

18 to 19-oz. can, Soup, Any Variety of

Progresso Vegetable Classics

.71

Limit 4

Per Variety

133

.84

• Scott Mega Rolls Towels 10-Pack

on your next shopping order

• Viva Big Roll Towels 8-Pack

299

Pumpkin Pie

.88

1,020-tot. sht. ct. pkg., Equals 15 Regular Rolls, Pick A Size

704-tot. sht. ct. pkg., Choose-A-Size

SEE PAGE 8 FOR DETAILS.

Store Made $ 00 OFF

1.00

SAVE $ 00

TRESemmé Hair Care

10

188

Limit 4

5

1.41

Per Variety

Kraft Singles

Per Variety

597

Your Choice!

12-oz. pkg., Any Variety (Excluding Fat Free or 2%)

99 399

6.5 to 10.5-oz., Assorted Stylers (Excluding Expert Collection, Keratin and Aerosol Hair Spray) 28 to 32-oz. btl., Assorted Varieties, Conditioner or Shampoo (Excluding 25-oz. btl., Natural and Keratin)

0000 OFF 2

Per Variety

• ShopRite Pasta

30 to 50-oz. btl., Any Variety, Liquid

Limit 4

.60

.50

199

Limit 4

.30

$

MFR Coupon in Most Sunday Papers

Farmland Domestic Ham

Limit 4

lb.

Store Sliced, Hard or

Fiorucci Genoa Salami

lb.

2.30

Scott Bath Tissue 20-Pack

1.00 Store Sliced

799

8,000-tot. sht. ct. pkg., Extra Soft or 20,000-tot. sht. ct. pkg., 1-Ply

Look for

1.00 OFF

Limit 4

Per Variety

Your Choice!

399 499

Per Variety

1199

4.00

Prices, programs and promotions effective Sun., Sept. 25 thru Sat., Oct. 1, 2016 in ShopRite® Stores in Gateway Plaza, Brooklyn, NY. Sunday sales subject to local blue laws. No sales made to other retailers or wholesalers. We reserve the right to limit purchases of any sale item to four (4) purchases, per item, per household, per day, except where otherwise noted. Minimum or additional purchase requirements noted for any advertised item exclude the purchase of prescription medications, gift cards, gift certificates, postage stamps, money orders, money transfers, lottery tickets, bus tickets, fuel and Metro passes, as well as milk, cigarettes, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or any other items prohibited by law. Only one manufacturer coupon may be used per item and we reserve the right to limit manufacturer coupon redemptions to four (4) identical coupons per household per day, unless otherwise noted or further restricted by manufacturer. Sales tax is applied to the net retail of any discounted item or any ShopRite® coupon item. We are required by law to charge sales tax on the full price of any item or any portion of an item that is discounted with the use of a manufacturer coupon or a manufacturer sponsored (or funded) Price Plus Club® card discount.

Not responsible for typographical errors. Artwork does not necessarily represent items on sale; it is for display purposes only. Copyright© Wakefern Food Corp., 2016. All rights reserved.

2 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

9-25-70

Limit 4

Per Variety

169

.80

3-lb. bag, Individually Quick Frozen

1-lb. box (Excluding Gluten Free) Elbow Macaroni, Penne Rigate, Spaghetti, Thin Spaghetti, Vermicelli, Rigatoni, Ziti Rigati, Ziti, Penne, Pennette, Spirals, Rotelle, Linguini Fini, Angel Hair Ditalini, Linguini or Fettuccine Limit 4

ShopRite American Cheese Farm Raised, Boneless, Flown Direct, Never Frozen

199

Perdue Chicken Wing Sections

• ShopRite Tomatoes

Store Sliced, Yellow or White

lb.

cont. Any Variety, Flavored

Daisy Sour Cream

99

Frozen

Limit 4

Per Variety

Biazzo Mozzarella

Black Bear Turkey Breast

Wild Caught, Previously

88 .41 28 to 29-oz. can (Excluding Organic & Imported Italian) Crushed, Puree, Sauce, Whole Peeled or Diced

Store Sliced, Deli Classic, Mesquite, Smoked Honey or Catering Style

•Alaska Cod Fillet

1

299

Hungry-Man Dinners Limit 4

16-oz. pkg., Whole Milk or Part Skim

for

California, Large Size

Coffee-Mate 32-oz. Creamer

5 .99 2 $5 299 349 219 lb.

Limit 4

Per Variety

2 to 2.9-oz. box, Any Variety, Dry Dressing & Seasoning Mix or 1-pt. btl., Any Variety

1.11

13.1 to 16-oz. pkg., Any Variety (Excluding Classic, Spicy Fried Chicken & BBQ Pulled Pork)

Per Variety

...in every aisle!

Fresh, Flat Cut

2.00

Limit 4 Offers

Sargento Shredded Cheese

Additional or lesser quantities will scan at 3.49 ea.

4/C

for

SAVE

.71

Discount will be applied when you buy in increments of 4 only. Less or additional items will scan at $1.50 each.

5 to 8-oz. pkg., Any Variety

2

MUST BUY

Store Baked Apple or Dutch Apple Pie

Birds Eye Steamfresh Vegetables

179

2 $4

each

288

Limit 4

$ 188

22 to 24-oz., Store Baked Coconut Custard, Pumpkin or

for

Per Variety

Limit 4

Per Variety

9 to 16-oz., Any Variety (Excluding Protein Blends) Premium Select or 9 to 12-oz. pkg., Any Variety

Russet Potatoes 5-lb. Bag

Sweet Cantaloupes

.99

WITH YOUR

only...

US #1

Ripe

25

Per Variety

.72

for

Offers

$

Limit 4

177

24

Limit 4

Keebler Toasteds Crackers

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream

1

Regular Prices: 4.99 lb. to 7.19 lb.

lb.

7

Pay

Limit 4

Per Variety

11-oz. tot. wt. pkg., 8-Pack, Cracker Sandwiches or 8-oz. box, Any Variety

pt. cont., Any Variety (Excluding Non Dairy)

Pick

Additional or lesser quantities will scan at 2.69 ea.

Nabisco Snack Crackers

Turkey Hill Ice Cream

Whole Boneless Pork Loin

USDA CHOICE BEEF

for

99 3.00

10 to 12-lb. Avg., Fresh, Untrimmed Regular or Tender Choice

Boneless Beef (Sold As London Broil Only)

Hotel Style Turkey Breast

599

36

48-oz. cont., Any Variety, Frozen Yogurt, Sherbet, Dairy Dessert, Light or Regular (Excluding All Natural)

4

Certified Angus Beef

Beef Shell Steak

Limit 4

Per Variety

99

Beef Loin, Bone-In Tailless (Also Known as New York Strip) ®

London Broil

Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks or Rice Krispies Treats

3.5 to 9.5-oz. box, Any Variety (Excluding Stoned Wheat Thins)

5-lb. tot. wt. jars, Any Variety

Skippy Peanut Butter 2-Pack

)

Beef Shell Steak

Frozen, with Wings

Offers

Additional or lesser quantities will scan at 5.79 ea.

7 to 8-oz. box, 8 to 10-ct., Fruit Snacks or 5.64 to 6.2-oz. box, 8-ct., Rice Krispies Treats, Any Variety

3

MUST BUY

3

MUST BUY

9.9” x 13.3”

Beef Loin, Bone-In, Tailless (Also Known as New York Strip)

OR

Limit 4

)

Limit 4-lbs.

lb.

lb.

Offers

Frito Lay Better For You Snacks

FINAL COST lb.

13

3$ for

Limit 4

2.00

Mix or Match

6.25 to 8-oz. bag, Frito Baked Chips, 4.5 to 9-oz., Frito Lay Simply Snacks, 5.5 to 10.5-oz., Frito Lay Smartfood Popcorn, 7-oz., Frito Sun Chips, 8.25-oz., Rold Gold Pretzel Thins or 10 to 16-oz., Rold Gold Pretzels

$

399

Limit 4

Per Variety

• Coke Bottles 8-Pack

24

Additional or lesser quantities will scan at 2.99 ea.

4C Iced Tea Mix

96-oz. tot. wt. btls. (Plus Dep. or Fee Where Req.) 12-oz. Bottles, Dr Pepper, Sprite or Any Variety

TastyKake Family Pack Cakes

2

MUST BUY

for

Offers

1.21

Limit 4

ing Dessert Shells, 6.75 to 17-oz. box (Exclud & Yogurt Bars & Doublicious, Snak or Fruit KandyKake Bars) Any Variety

1.30

Limit 4

99 1.30 188

Per Variety

25 $

50.2 to 70.3-oz. canister, Fruit Punch, Lemonade, 20-qt. Yield Decaf or 28-qt. Yield, Any Variety

1

Limit 4

Per Variety

Tree Ripe Peaches 1.49 -.50

• Izze Sparkling Water 4-Pack

Apple & Eve Cranberry Juice

Sweet & Juicy

ShopRite Sale Price

3

Additional or lesser quantities will scan at 3.19 ea.

1/2-gal. btl., Any Variety, 100% Cranberry Juice Blends

details at shoprite.com

99

10.00 Additional

$

48-oz. tot. wt. btls. (Plus Dep. or Fee Where Req.) (Excluding Organic) 12-oz. Glass Bottles, Any Variety

Juicy Juice 100% Juice

Snapple Iced Tea 12-Pack

PRICE BREAK

• Propel Zero 12-Pack

60-oz. tot. wt. pkg., Any Variety, Juice Drinks, Juicy Juice Splashers 10-Pack, 54-oz. tot. wt. pkg., Any Variety, Fruitifuls or Juicy Juice 100% Juice 8-Pack or 64-oz. btl., Any Variety

192-oz. tot. wt. glass btls., 16-oz. Glass Bottles, Any Variety, Drinks or

ALL WEEK

for

Offers

MUST BUY

ShopRite Spring Water 24-Pack

202.8-oz. tot. wt. btls. (Plus Dep. or Fee Where Req.) 16.9-oz. Bottles, Any Variety, Water Beverage

70-Gateway ROP

Shop Any Way...

37

Limit 4

Limit 1 Offer

405.6-oz. tot. wt. btls. (Plus Dep. or Fee Where Req.) 16.9-oz. Bottles

• Gatorade Drinks 8-Pack

Look for MFR Coupon in Most Sunday Papers

$

Must Buy 3

25 26 27 28 29 30

160-oz. tot. wt. btls., 20-oz. Bottles, Any Variety

• Jolly Rancher Snack Size Candy

0000

each

Limit 4 Offers.

Discount will be applied when you buy in increments of 4 only.

Less or additional items will scan at $5.21 each.

9 to 16-oz. bag, Whoppers, Milk Duds, Twizzlers or

SALE STARTS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 MON TUE WED THU FRI

WITH YOUR

• Hershey’s Snack Size Candy

At Participating ShopRites

1-204

SUN

Pay

)

ShopRite of 20th Ave.

9-25-70 JW R1:

only...

)

We Accept

Chelsea Bomb Blast Injures Dozens Alleged perpetrator of ‘act of terror’ in custody

By Michael V. Cusenza The man authorities say is responsible for conducting and attempting to conduct bombings in Chelsea and several spots in New Jersey over the weekend has been charged with using and attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, among other federal offenses, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Ahmad Khan Rahami, a.k.a.

Ahmad Rahimi, was arraigned on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on charges connected to Rahami’s alleged detonation of an explosive device and efforts to detonate explosives in New York City, and the 28-year-old’s alleged efforts to detonate explosives in Seaside Park, New Jersey, and Elizabeth, New Jersey.

More than 30 people were injured as a result of the detonation of a bomb that Rahami allegedly hid inside a small dumpster on Saturday on West 23rd Street. A second explosive device that did not detonate was found on West 27th Street.

Rahimi, a U.S. citizen of Afhani descent, was apprehended

by Linden (NJ) Police on Monday morning.

“Now, we’ve talked about this over the last two years – how we’ve foiled 20 plots in New York City, and that was

Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joe Esposito (r. to l.), Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday surveyed what remained of the dumpster in which the bomb was hidden.

done by a very professional, highly trained law enforcement agencies,” Police Commissioner Jim O’Neill said on Sunday.

“And his violent, criminal act is going to be solved by those same people – by that same group of people. So, New York City residents can rest assured that we’ll get to the bottom of this.”

If convicted, Rahimi faces hundreds of years in prison. As of Wednesday night, no motive had been made public.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday praised the resiliency of New Yorkers, and the swift actions of first responders.

“I…saw an extraordinary response by the NYPD, FDNY, Office of Emergency Management,” he noted. “Folks said to me in the neighborhood how reassured they were by the speedy response last night and by the

continued police presence.”

In a late-breaking development on Wednesday, the NYPD and Federal Bureau of Investigation reached out to the public for help in identifying two unknown men who were captured on closed-circuit television recordings as they walked on Saturday night on West 27th Street between 6th and 7th avenues, between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the same hour that Rahimi’s alleged explosive device had detonated on West 23rd Street.

According to authorities, the CC-TV footage “indicates that these individuals allegedly located a piece of luggage on the sidewalk, removed an improvised explosive device from the luggage, and then left the vicinity leaving the device behind, but took the luggage.”

The NYPD and FBI have

Photos Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office and NYPD

Prime suspect Ahmad Kahn Rahami was apprehended on Monday in New Jersey.

made it clear that both agencies are interested in speaking to these individuals and recovering the luggage.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The

public can also submit info by logging onto NYPDCrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. The FBI’s Toll-Free Tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI is available too. All correspondences are strictly confidential.

HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD CIVIC

COMMUNITY CRIME UPDATE MEETING NOTICE

TUESDAY, September 27th, 2016 | 7:30PM

St. Helen Catholic Academy | 83-09 157th Avenue | Howard Beach, NY 11414

GUEST SPEAKERS :

MELINDA KATZ QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT

ASSISTANT CHIEF DAVID BARRERE CHIEF QUEENS BOROUGH PATROL SOUTH CAPTAIN JAMES FEY COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE 106TH PRECINCT FREE CLOTH TOTE AND SCHOOL BACKPACK GIVEAWAY FROM HEALTHFIRST (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)

**Our meetings are attended by representatives from the NYPD, NYS Senate, NYS Assembly and the NYC Council. Have your questions and concerns addressed, as well as, receiving updates on issues that were discussed at past meetings.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED If you have any questions, contact us via e-mail - hblcivic2014@gmail.comVisit our Facebook Page –Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Follow us on Twitter - @hblcivic THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 3

Meng Anti-Stalking Measure Seeks to Protect Friends, Co-Workers of Victims

GET UP TO

IN FREE PLAY! Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng’s Office

Legislation recently proposed by Rep. Meng would expand federal anti-stalking laws.

By Michael V. Cusenza U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) recently announced that she has introduced a measure that seeks to expand federal antistalking laws, making it a crime to threaten the victim’s friends and co-workers.

Federal laws on the books indicate that it is a crime to threaten another person, as well as their family or companion, with harm that could result in injury or death.

“Adding friends and co-workers of stalking victims to the list of those who are protected from violence is common sense,” Meng said. “Co-workers and friends deserve the same protections from stalkers that family members receive, and this legislation would make that happen. It would also ensure that violent stalkers are fully punished for the crimes they commit. I urge the House hold a vote on this critical bill.”

The Expanded Stalking Protections Act would cost no money if enacted into law, Meng noted; it would just boost the number of individuals who become covered under the federal stalking statute.

Meng also pointed out that, according to the Department of Justice’s Stalking Victimization in the United States Report, a friend or co-worker of a stalking target is more likely to be attacked by a stalker than is the stalking target’s child. Friends and coworkers also have a virtually equal chance as the stalking target’s other family members of being attacked by a stalker, asserted the 2009 analysis.

The DOJ report also noted that while the federal government, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories have enacted criminal laws to address stalking, the legal definition for stalking varies across jurisdictions. State laws vary regarding the element of victim fear and emotional distress, as well as the requisite intent of the stalker. Some state laws specify that the victim must have been frightened by the stalk-

ing, while others require only that the stalking behavior would have caused a reasonable person to experience fear. In addition states vary regarding what level of fear is required.

Some state laws require prosecutors to establish fear of death or serious bodily harm, while others require only that prosecutors establish that the victim suffered emotional distress.

In New York, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime, a person is guilty of stalking when he or she intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person, and knows or reasonably should know that such conduct: 1. is likely to cause reasonable fear of material harm to the physical health, safety or property of such person, a member of such person’s immediate family or a third party with whom such person is acquainted; or 2. causes material harm to the mental or emotional health of such person, where such conduct consists of following, telephoning or initiating communication or contact with such person, a member of such person’s immediate family or a third party with whom such person is acquainted, and the actor was previously clearly informed to cease that conduct; or 3. is likely to cause such person to reasonably fear that his or her employment, business or career is threatened, where such conduct consists of appearing, telephoning or initiating communication or contact at such person’s place of employment or business, and the actor was previously clearly informed to cease that conduct.

Meng’s measure has been referred to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations where it is pending further action.

0 0 0 , 6 4 3 $ R E V O

: D E D R AWA NEXT!

BE N A C YOU

SIGN-UP TODAY FOR YOUR FREE MEMBERSHIP. Visit our Genting Rewards Player’s Club for details.

P L AY. D I N E . U N W I N D. 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Queens, NY 11420 • rwnewyork.com

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

4 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369).

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 5

Jamaica Man Pleads Guilty to Forcing Teen into Prostitution

By Forum Staff A 24-year-old Jamaica, Queens man has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and promoting prostitution. Set to stand trial for forcing a 16-year-old girl into prostitution in September 2014. Robert Homer, 24, of 139TH Street, and his 21- year-old co-defendant, Kenyon Sultan, of 147TH Street also in Jamaica, Queens, have both pleaded guilty to felony sex charges have both been held in jail in lieu of $250,000 bail since their September arrests.

District Attorney Brown said, “By pleading guilty the defendants admitted that they forced a very vulnerable teenager to work as a sex slave for their financial gain. The defendants’ guilty pleas ensure that the defendants will be held accountable for their actions and allows the victim to move forward with her life. It also sends a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated in Queens County.”

Queens Supreme Court Justice Richard L. Buchter has indicated that he would sentence Homer to 21⁄2 years to 71⁄2 years in prison.

Sultan’s sentence is scheduled for October 25, 2016, at which time Justice Butcher indicated that he would sentence Sultan to 1 to 3 years in prison.

According to the criminal charges, the then-16-year-old victim was introduced to the defendant Homer on September 4, 2014, by a 17-year-old girl he was pimping at the time.

Photo Courtesy of Expedia

According to the charges, Homer brought the victim to several hotels in Queens and Nassau County and made her have sex with numerous men in exchange for money, which was turned over to Homer.

Homer and Sultan then brought the victim to a hotel room on North Conduit Avenue and told her that she had to work as a prostitute for them and turn the money she earned over to Homer. Homer then brought co-defendant Sultan to the hotel room and had him wait in the bathroom while the victim had sex with men in exchange for money that she turned over to Homer.

Additional charges say that Homer brought the victim and the other girl to several hotels in Queens and Nassau Counties between Sep-

tember 4, 2014, and September 11, 2014, and made them have sexual intercourse and oral sex with numerous men in exchange for money which was turned over to Homer.

Homer specifically told her to make at least $500 a day prostituting herself and to call him “Daddy.” He also posted prostitution ads on backpage.com. When the victim asked to leave and stop doing prostitution, Homer stated that she couldn’t and brought her back to the North Conduit hotel where he or Sultan took turns sleeping so they could keep watch on her and

make sure that she did not leave. On one occasion, when the victim asked to leave the hotel room, Sultan told her that he had to go with her. On another occasion, the victim observed Homer slap the 17-year-old girl because she was talking on-line to another pimp, which was against his rules, and which caused the victim to fear him.

On September 11, 2014, an undercover New York City Police Department detective responded to a prostitution advertisement on backpage.com and was directed to the North Conduit hotel where he met the victim and the 17-year-old girl, both of whom agreed to have sexual intercourse with him in exchange for $100 cash each. Once inside the hotel room, both girls were arrested, as were Homer and Sultan who were found hiding together in the room’s bathroom. A check of the hotel records revealed that the room had been rented to a Mustafa Stewart and that Homer was in possession of photo identification in that name.

In pleading guilty yesterday, Homer admitted to promoting both the 16-year-old victim and the 17-year-old girl as prostitutes and admitted to having sex with the 16-year-old.

Prosecutors declined to prosecute the 16-year-old victim and charges against the 17-year-old girl was ultimately dismissed.

Final Two Defendants in 2011 Woodhaven Beating Death Plead Guilty was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Luis Tabales, of Richmond Hill, pleaded guilty in May 2013 to first-degree gang assault and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Christopher Lozada , of Woodhaven, pleaded guilty in December 2013 to second-degree assault and was sentenced to four years in prison and Alex Velez, of Queens pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in April 2016 and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. All of the defendants in the case are now 22 years old.

The two remaining defendants, Jonathan Echevarria, of Greene Avenue in Brooklyn, who plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter, and Nolis Ogando of Ridgewood, who plead guilty to first-degree gang assault –will now face sentencing. Judges in the respective cases have indicated that their sentencing will be 18 years for Echevarria, with 5 years post release supervision and 8 years for Orgando also followed by 5 years post release supervision.

District Attorney Brown said, “The victim had just left a birthday celebration and was chased down as the defendants yelled anti-gay slurs. When they caught up to the 18-year-old recent high school graduate, the defendants punched, kicked and viciously beat him. He died a couple days later in a local hospital. The last two defendants in this case have now admitted their roles in this heinous attack that cost a young man his life.”

By Forum Staff The last two defendants in the brutal, unprovoked beating death of Anthony Collao,, an 18-year-old openly gay man in March of 2011, have now entered pleas and will be sentenced later this month.

The attack took place in March of 2011, shortly after Collao and another man left a birthday party in Woodhaven. A pack of six teenagers chased down the two men after making derogatory and anti-gay slurs. The assailants, three of whom were carrying what appeared to be a pipe, stick and a cane, caught up to Collao shortly before 1 a.m. on 90 Street, between 88 and 89Avenue, and threw him to the ground. They punched, kicked and bashed him with objects and a piece of lattice fencing before stealing his personal property – including an Atlanta Braves baseball cap and his sneakers.

About fifteen minutes after the attack, police apprehended five of the defendants in the vicinity of Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue and recovered a metal pipe with blood on it near the victim and a piece of fencing. A sixth defendant was apprehended three months later.

Mr. Collao died two days later as a result of the injuries he sustained during the attack.

Four of the defendants have already been sentenced and have begun serving their time.

Calvin Pietri, of Woodhaven, pleaded guilty in May 2013 to first-degree gang assault and Anthony Collao, 18, was chased down a Woodhaven street and beaten to death by six attackers.

6 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

File Photo

Drunk Driver Sentenced to up to 10 Years in Prison for Crash that Killed his Passenger

By Forum Staff

A 30-year-old Island Park Long Island man has been sentenced to 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to vehicular manslaughter for a December 2015 crash in which he slammed into the back of a parked yellow school bus in the East Flushing section of Queens and killed his female passenger.

Kyung R. Song, 30, pleaded guilty in July to first-degree vehicular manslaughter, and has been sentenced to 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison. In his allocution before the court Song admitted that he was driving in violation of section 1192 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol), and upon his release from prison, he will be required to install an ignition interlock device for a period of two years on any vehicle he operates.

According to the criminal charges, Song was driving a black 2014 Porsche during the pre-dawn hours on December 18, 2015, when he crashed into the back of a yellow school bus that was parked on Sanford Avenue. When police arrived at the scene, they observed that the Porsche had severe front-end damage. The defendant, in the driver’s seat, was unconscious and and 24-year-old Nara An was in the front passenger seat.

The young woman did not appear to be breathing or moving.

When Song and his passenger were being transported into ambulances at the scene, police observed that Song had both

He said that his passenger told him to slow down. Song explained they had been coming from a bar, and that he drank six beers and had three shots of liquor.

The crash took place on a residential street in front of P.S. 22 (Thomas Jefferson Elementary School) where the unposted speed limit is 25 miles per hour. A portable breath test administered to Song showed a blood alcohol content of .176, which is above the legal limit of .08 in New York State. Song was asked if he would submit to a blood test at the hospital which he refused.

A court order was issued following Song’s refusal to cooperate and a telephonic VTL 1194 blood order was then issued authorizing the taking of Song’s blood to be tested for the presence of alcohol and/or drugs. The results of that blood order showed Song had a blood alcohol level of .130.

“This was an absolutely senseless tragedy,” said District File Photo Attorney Brown. “A young woman was killed and her family Kyung Song pleaded guilty in July to vehicular manslaughter for a December is forever impacted because the defendant chose to drive fast 2015 crash in which he slammed into the back of a parked yellow school bus and furiously. This case is yet another example of how deadly in Flushing and killed his female passenger. motor vehicles can be and the consequences of climbing bebloodshot and watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol on his hind the wheel of an automobile while intoxicated. The debreath. An had sustained massive head injuries, from which fendant - who must live with the fact that he killed his friend she died shortly thereafter.

- is going to be locked up for a significant period of time.”

At the hospital, Song told police that he was driving 33 miles per hour when he came around a curve in the road and his tire slipped, causing him to hit the back of the school bus.

Armed Robber has Hit Three Gas Stations this Month: Cops

By Michael V. Cusenza Police are asking the public for help in identifying a man wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a gas station, and the attempted armed robbery of two other stations in southeastern Queens this month.

According to police reports, on Sunday, Sept., 4, at 1:30 a.m., the man entered a BP station on Springfield Boulevard in St. Albans, displayed a silver handgun and demanded the employee fork over cash. She complied, and the suspect fled the location with approximately $4,000 in an unknown direction.

On Friday, Sept. 9, around 5 a.m., the

same man entered the BP station on Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, pulled out a firearm and demanded money. The employee did not comply, and the suspect fled the location in an unknown direction.

According to investigators, on Friday, Sept. 16, around 4:30 a.m., the suspect walked into the 76 Gas Station on Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, showed the firearm and demanded cash. The employee did not comply and the individual fled the location in an unknown direction, cops said.

The suspect is described as a man, approximately 6-feet tall, who was last seen wearing black jeans, sneakers, gloves and a ski mask.

Anyone with information is asked to call

the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit info by logging onto NYPDCrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All correspondences are strictly confidential. michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

Investigators have asked for assistance from the public in identifying a particularly prolific south Queens armed robber.

Pols Announce $1M Grant for City DNA Backlog Reduction Program

By Forum Staff A citywide backlog in the processing of DNA evidence has spurred action by the Department of Justice (DoJ) in the form of a grant totaling $1 million. The funds will be directly allocated to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Department of Forensic Biology and will specifically be used to help reduce the overall turnaround time for the handling, screening, and analysis of forensic DNA samples and additionally to help facilitate a reduction in the timelines for the turnaround of DNA evidence.

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner serves as the public forensic laboratory for New York City and provides serology and DNA testing on thousands of cases each year. In 2015, 39,099 DNA samples were extracted, analyzed and reviewed. As a result, the Department uploaded 7,201 profiles and there were 1,057 cold hits to offender matches, 423

case-to-case matches and 497 conviction matches.

This money will help the NYCME increase current capacity and reduce the turnaround time by half while bringing case backlog to 40 and 350 respectively. The lab has a current average yearly turnaround time of 80 and a backlog of 722.

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the funding late last week noting that the funds would help improve timeliness of DNA testing by increasing available staff hours through overtime, purchase of supplies and continued funding previous grant-funded staff as well as to support current service contracts to cover the iDashboard and Genemarker software.

Photo Courtesy of NYC

The DOJ funding is for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Department of Forensic Biology in an effort to reduce the backlog and turnaround time of DNA testing.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 7

155-19 Lahn St. Howard Beach, NY 11414 or e-mail forumsouth@gmail.com

CONCERN NAILED ON THE HEAD OR ENOUGH IS CERTANLY ENOUGH Dear Editor,

As part of an extended family in Howard Beach we needed to take time to pen this letter.

When Karina Vetrano died in August we all felt pain then anger for what happened to this beautiful girl. We all cried and held our children a lot closer.

We visit often and have been observing since early August, and then on Friday September 16th while visiting the family we noticed the NYC police still were keeping a presence at the victims family home. Really? Why? Who is paying for this?

Is there a real danger for the family ?

If so what is being kept from the public?

Is my family and grandchildren in danger as well? Are the neighbors in danger as well?

With the brutal murder of two young girls in Brentwood this past week,we ask if Suffolk County is also providing round the clock protection for the families?

In Brentwood we understand that there are gangs suspected in the horrendous killing, but here in Howard beach we know Nothing?

Concerned citizens, Agnes & Ron Maginniss

BERNIE’S TEN MINUTES OF FAME Dear Editor, In January of 2015, it was safe to say that a majority of Americans polled, on the identity of Bernie Sanders, probably answered with “Who?” Not surprising, since outside of his native state of Vermont, few paid attention to this 73 year old Independent Senator. Flash forward, to midsummer same year, when a goodly number of Americans were still saying, why is he here, and what is his purpose?

Sanders quickly got his point out, and it was simply his intent, to enter the primary race for candidacy in the Democratic polling. He looked around, and saw no active member of the party making any kind of move to challenge the one and only entry; Hillary Clinton.

When he began his campaign, he may not have seen himself as a serious contender, but it was an opportunity, to project on his Socialist agenda. To his possible amazement, there was an increasing groundswell, from the newest members of the electorate, who were now being identified as Millennials. His appeal seemed to be genuine, but certainly not for 8 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15

his youth at 74, or the natural way he combed his disarrayed grey hair, nor in the company he kept, as a member of Congress, although he did caucus with the Democrats. He took a cue from the increasing crowd gathering at each rally appearance, by throwing chum in the water, to see how the fish were biting. His bait was clearly a left wing approach to matters of great concern. He decried the lack of free healthcare for all, free college education, open borders, higher minimum wages, increased higher taxes, paid family leave, and probably free lunch. It resonated among the younger voters, as they began to feel the “Bern.” Although they came across, at supporting his programs and his tax the rich assault, they also identified him as the viable alternative to Hillary. Surprisingly, gender was not a factor, as both male and female had the same negative opinion of Hillary. The Democrats were not going to field an opponent, from within the ranks, so that it was an opportunistic moment, to reach a large audience, and to have them hear his philosophy, while posing a legitimate dissatisfaction to Hillary Clinton.

Sanders kept gaining in the polls, and wound up with winning a resounding 22 states, when the primary season ended. His supporters kept urging him, to maintain the fight through the convention. Angry crowds picketed the Philadelphia gathering, and even managed a disruptive show of solidarity, on the convention floor. Super delegates, along with alleged manipulating of the voting process persisted, causing the DNC chairman to resign. Loyalists to Sanders were fuming, at the overt disrespect, and dirty tricks perpetrated against him, when he came so dangerously close. With less than an enthusiastic tone to his voice, Sanders delivered his convention speech, by publicly endorsing Hillary. Leaving the stage, he sat dour faced in the “grandstand” looking like he would rather be any place other than there.

He could have gotten even with the DNC, by deciding to run as an Independent, and with the backing of some 90% of his supporters, fatally derailing Hillary Clinton’s last chance attempt at immortality. Bernie will not be back in 2020 at 79, yet by running as an independent, he would have gained more than the 15% requirement, so as to be included in the current debates, and have one last shot on the national stage, for his message, which is all that he probably ever wanted originally. For sure, come November 9, Bernie Sanders will never again be referred to as “Who?”

Robert W. Rice Woodhaven

CAMPAIN RATIONALE Dear Editor, It's time to look at this election rationally. We have one candidate who's essentially been vetted for 30 years, been to more countries around the world as Secretary of State than any other and dedicated her life to issues that matter. And perhaps, is more qualified than any other candidate ever. On the other hand you have a person who's never showed the least bit of concern, care or empathy for poor people or their com• THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

munities. A person who only cares about and Afghanistan were at their most dangerthe rich, their yachts and his own self inter- ous. Some traitor. He gave up a sweet life in est. A person who wants to eliminate the Hawaii for an "existence" in Russia because EPA, gut regulations and cut taxes for the he felt the truth needed to be exposed. And rich. A person who's tax cuts (According to while people also criticize Oliver Stone for the nonpartisan Tax Foundation) could add his political views, they should know that more than $12 trillion to the deficit in the Stone served in Viet Nam. In fact he has a next decade. Throughout his career, Trump Purple Heart. Then again, so does Trump. has left behind a well-documented record Despite not going to Viet Nam due to his 5 of bankruptcies, thousands of lawsuits, an- medical deferments for bone spurs. Which gry shareholders and contractors who feel foot? He doesn't remember. cheated, and disillusioned customers who Robert LaRosa feel ripped off. Trump says he wants to run Whitestone the nation like he's run his business. God help us! He says he'll punish manufacturers that move to Mexico or China, but the clothes he sells are made overseas in lowwage factories. He says he wants to deport 11 million undocumented people, but he Dear Editor, seems to have no problem hiring them. If you're still having trouble deciding who to Watch ice cubes in a glass melt. vote for, you don't deserve the right to vote.

At the North and South poles of the Yes, Hillary has made mistakes but she's Earth (and covering most of Greenland) willing to address them. Trump denies ever there are massive amounts of solid water having made a mistake! Republicans are known as ice. These huge glaciers have seeing Trump rise in certain polls, they're come and gone periodically over geologic saying Democrats are getting nervous. It's time––many thousands of years––huntrue, Democrats are getting nervous. But dreds of thousands of years––even millions it's not because Trump is good. It's because of years! some voters are stupid. Trump knows what With small increases in temperature, he's doing. He laid it all out in his book The ice melts slowly, however we now know Art of The Deal- "I play to people's fantasies. (meaning it's a fact!!) that the aforemenPeople want to believe that something is the tioned ice caps are melting right before our biggest and the greatest and the most spec- eyes! Not in geologic time, but in human tacular. I call it truthful hyperbole". Demo- time. The result is something we MUST crats have another word for it- Bull@%#T! acknowledge...sea level is rising. Storms are It's called lying. Here are a few of Trump's bringing ocean water further and further greatest hits- "I don't know anything about inland! Millions and millions of us live near David Duke", "Putin and I are best friends", the sea. Human activities, without a doubt, He got a letter from the NFL regarding are heavily contributing to this effect! If the Debates, He gave money to the veter- you don't think so visualize the CO2 (and ans, He was against the Iraq war. All B.S.. other gases) that are emanating out of the Yet Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne hundreds and hundreds of automobiles Conway talks about Hilary and says "she that you see before you on the highway, can't support someone who lies for a liv- and behind you. CO2 and other gases that ing". Amazing. Non-partisan PolitiFact come from burning fossil fuels trap heat calculated that Hillary lies 29% of the time. in our atmosphere. We must devote our Trump? 75%! Hillary tried to hide the fact ingenuity to attacking this dire problem that she had pneumonia. So I guess that for the sake of our grandchildren and means Trump's no longer the "deplorable" their grandchildren! choice for president? And regarding Hillary Dave Shlakman fainting- Republicans say "if Donald Trump Howard Beach were seen stumbling and being carried into a van (like Hillary), we'd never hear the end of it". I disagree. If Trump were seen being put into a van everyone would know that things are back to normal. As long as he was wearing a straitjacket. P.S. Oliver Stone has just released a documentary about Edward Snowden. While it's true that Edward Snowden PUBLISHED by The Forum broke the law when he Newspaper, Inc. took classified documents and gave them to journalEDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael V. Cusenza ists exposing the NSA. Exposing that the NSA was CONTRIBUTING Alan Krawitz breaking the law a million REPORTERS Samantha Geary times a day, and lying to the American people about it.

PHOTOGRAPHY Richard York Snowden exposed the NSA for breaking a law that's in the Bill Of Rights! Does FORUM NEWSGROUP that make him a traitor? phone • 718-845-3221 | fax • 718-738-7645 Edward Snowden enlisted website • theforumnewsgroup.com in the US Army in 2004, e-mail • forumsouth@gmail.com right when the wars in Iraq

STOP THE MELTDOWN

Three Men Flee with Purse after Violently Assaulting 61-Year-Old Woman

The grainy security footage depicts one of the suspected South Ozone Park attackers.

By Michael V. Cusenza Police recently reached out to the public for assistance in identifying one of three suspects wanted in connection with a violent August mugging that left a 61-year-old woman cut, shaken, and bruised on a South Ozone Park sidewalk.

On Friday, Aug. 5, around 2:25 p.m., three unknown black men approached the victim from behind and attempted to snatch her purse – but she refused, according to investigators.

The suspects then threw her to the ground on 111th Avenue near 123rd Street, punched her in the face, grabbed her bag,

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

and fled in a sliver Chrysler Sebring in an unknown direction. The victim sustained minor bruising and lacerations to the face.

She was treated at the scene by EMS, cops said.

The suspects were described as black men, 5-foot-6 to 6-feet tall.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit info by logging onto NYPDCrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All correspondences are strictly confidential.

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

GETTING YOUR THYROID READY FOR WINTER Grumbling about the cold won’t make it go away, and for some people, those dealing with thyroid conditions, the upcoming winter can be especially taxing.

Think of the thyroid as a thermostat for your bodies. If it's sluggish you'll be prone to having lower body temperature be not likely to tolerate cold. Low thyroid function, means you need to take some precautions to protect yourself.

Warming up and give your thyroid a break: Get plenty of rest.

Keep your home temperature warm.

If your landlord is stingy with the heat, get a note from your doctor.

When you go out, dress in layers.

Take a hot bath and get warm while relaxing.

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

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

Cuddling and holding hands with your significant other or your pets can help you get

all warmed up. Spouses and pets are will share their heat with you for back and belly rubs. Did you know that the saying “Three Dog Night” is thought to originate from Eskimos who would keep dogs in their igloos to help them warm up on particularly cold nights!

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

Foods known as thermogenic can increase the metabolism, and can actually create heat when converting food to energy. Some common spices in this category are: chili, mustard, red pepper, black pepper and red hot chili peppers.

Don’t leave friends and family know you need a little more heat than the average bear.

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

Last but not least, winter puts us at risk for Vitamin D deficiency. Stop in and talk to your pharmacist about a quality replacement.

Stay warm.

Until next week...

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.

Vetrano Family Looking for Help to Fund ‘Outside Sources’ to Bring Karina Killer to Justice

By Michael V. Cusenza With frustration mounting, and fear of a cold case label only fueling the anger and anxiety, members of the Vetrano family this week announced that they are looking into organizing another fund to support ancillary investigative staff, equipment, and tactics.

“We always believed that if we raised enough reward money someone would say something. This did not happen. The reward is high enough,” Karina’s dad, Phil Vetrano, wrote on Monday on the Karina Vetrano Memorial Reward Fund’s web home at GoFundMe.com. “I want to start a fund to catch the killer that would be used to hire outside sources to track down and bring this person

to justice. So if you still want to contribute to find justice for Karina this is what we are going to do. Thank you again.”

The memorial reward fund has raised more than $300,000. However, as Phil Vetrano alluded above, the cash has yet to move the needle.

“It’s hard to believe that with this kind of money available no one has come forward,” he said in a note posted last Thursday.

“Someone has to know something, please help us.”

Karina, 30, was beaten, strangled, and sexually assaulted in the evening hours of Aug. 2 on her daily run inside federal Spring Creek Park. Her father, Phil, discovered her battered body that summer night as he

Ulrich Helps Ozone Park Man Mark 100th Birthday

Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) on Tuesday presented a Council Proclamation to Patsy Zuzzolo at Catholic Charities Ozone Park Senior Center in celebration of his 100th birthday and to honor Zuzzolo’s many contributions to the community and country.

Here’s to a hundred more, Mr. Zuzzolo!

10 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

scoured the green space with detectives.

“It has not been going well,” said Phil michael@theforumnewsgroup.com Vetrano, regarding the 50-day investigation.

File Photo “We need to find this killer. Please I know Phil Vetrano, pictured here with slain daughter, Karina, someone out there knows something, please has indicated that he’d like to hire private investigators to help with the search for her assailant. say something.”

Nana’s Named By CBS Local in Top 5 Best Breakfast Restaurants in NYC! LATEST BEST OF NY NYC’S BEST EGG BREAKFASTS: EGG, BEC, EGG SHOP, NANA’S BREAKFAST NOOK & SHOPSINS.

Nana’s Breakfast Nook specializes in hearty, fortifying breakfasts, with a reliance where possible on organic ingredients, including free-range eggs. The Howard Beach restaurant’s version of a BLT includes arugula, field greens, smoked bacon, and Vermont Cheddar, while the “southern charmer” comes with poached eggs, sausage gravy, bacon bits, and biscuits. Another option? A three-egg omelet with mushrooms, spinach, and Gouda. Oh, and start with the brulee grapefruit, in which the fruit gets rubbed with ginger and raw sugar and gently torched.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 11

Experience beautiful coverage in half the time with Clark+Kensington® paint+primer in one.

Cross Bay Hardware 16254 Crossbay Blvd Howard Beach, NY 114143443 (718) 848-5699 www.acehardware.com Store Hours: Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat 8-6, Sun 9-5

12 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

of Howard Beach

RAGTIME GOURMET SALES 09/22/2016 – 09/28/2016

Produce

CELLO CARROTS 3 FOR

CANTALOUPES

CELLO ONIONS 2 LB. BAG

$1.00 $1.49 EACH $1.49 EACH

CUCUMBERS 3 FOR

$1.00

SPAGHETTI, BUTTERNUT & ACORN SQUASH

89¢ LB.

TANGERINES 3 FOR

$1.00

Deli

BOARS HEAD LOW SALT HAM

BOARS HEAD LOW SALT TURKEY

LAND O LAKES YELLOW AMERICAN CHEESE

BOARS HEAD SLICING PROVOLONE CHEESE

BOARS HEAD PASTRAMI OR CORNED BEEF

HOMEMADE ANTIPASTO SALAD

$7.99 LB. $7.99 LB. $3.99 LB. $5.99 LB. $7.99 LB. $4.99

HOMEMADE CHICK PEA SALAD

$2.99 LB.

SANDWICH OF THE WEEK:

PHILLY CHEESE STEAK HERO

$4.99 EACH

Grocery

RAGTIMES FAMOUS SEMOLINA ITALIAN BREAD

99¢

AQUAFINA 24 PACK

$4.99 EACH

1 LB. BAG BREAD CRUMBS

99¢ EACH

BOTTICELLI 1 LB. BAG PASTA (ALL VARIETIES) EACH

89¢

Meat

FRESH GROUND SIRLOIN CHOP MEAT

$2.99 LB.

BLACK ANGUS FLAT IRON STEAKS

$3.99 LB.

PREMIO SWEET ITALIAN SAUSAGE

$2.99 LB.

BELL & EVANS BONELESS SKINNLESS CHICKEN BREASTS

$3.99 LB.

GIFT & FRUIT BASKETS MADE FOR ALL OCCASIONS. WE CAN SHIP ANYWHERE! Not Responsible for Typographical Errors

157-48 CROSSBAY BLVD HOWARD BEACH, NY 11414 *WE ACCEPT EBT FREE DELIVERY TEL: 718-845-4582 FAX: 718-843-2202

INSTAGRAM@Ragtime Gourmet • RAGTIMEGOURMET.COM THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 13

Remains of Missing Astoria Flight Attendant Wash up on Rikers Island Shore: Police

By Michael V. Cusenza A tight-knit borough family’s worst fears were confirmed by cops last week after the remains of Astoria flight attendant Sierra Shields, who had been missing since January, washed up along the shores of Rikers Island.

“We believe we’ve identified that female from the clothing that washed up with the bones,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Bob Boyce.

Though Boyce mentioned that it appeared that Shields committed suicide, forensic investigators indicated that they still had work to do.

“The cause and manner of death are pending further studies,” Julie Bolcer, spokeswoman for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, told The Forum on Wednesday.

Shields’ family confirmed to NBC New York that her remains had been discovered.

“We thank you, every one of you who chose to follow Sierra’s FB page, Twitter and Instagram. Many of you posted and reposted to assist us in maintaining the awareness of her being missing. There are not enough words or expressions that we could use for how deeply grateful we all are,” the family said in a statement posted to the “Find Sierra Shields” Facebook

Photo Courtesy of the Shields Family

Sierra Shields, 30, was last seen in January.

page.

“Thank you for sharing our pain, for consistent prayers, for all of the loving good thoughts that you sent our way. The outcome of this journey isn’t what we were all hoping for and the answers are not as clear cut as one would think. What we have received is what she gave to others love, love experienced through community, electronically and physically.”

Sierra Marie Shields, 30, was last seen

on Thursday, Jan. 14, around noon, leaving LaGuardia Airport on foot, according to the FSS Facebook page.

The New York Post reported that Shields, who was studying to become a minister, quit her job as a flight attendant that Thursday, just before she walked out of the airport.

Shields briefly spoke with her mother the morning of the last day she was seen alive, and all of her belongings were left

at her Astoria apartment, according to LostNMissing, Inc., a nonprofit organization that partners “with law enforcement, and families, to deliver solutions that help bring awareness to locate their missing family member.”

In January, family and friends of Shields indicated that she had been depressed in the days leading up to her disappearance, and cautioned the public that she might even be despondent in her current state.

Shields’ family also posted this message on the FSS page on Wednesday: “From Sierra’s heart to ours “There is something deep within all of us that is the very same. It is the desire to love and be loved. When we desire love, we are desiring God. Because God is love. I pray for this truth to be revealed to everyone who draws breath on this earth; when we breathe this truth into our lungs, it is here that we are awakened.

We see the light that has surrounded us our whole lives when our stories collide with the cross. It is here that we find we don’t live in a dark world, we live in a world that is actually flooded with God’s love and light if we would just have the courage to open our eyes and be love.”

Cuomo Approves ‘LaMont Dottin’s Law,’ Changing the Way Missing Persons Cases are Worked

By Michael V. Cusenza Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed into law a bill that requires police agencies to take reports of missing adults whenever the adult is reported to be missing, and send such report to the National Crime Information Center Register.

Previously, state law only mandated reports of missing children and vulnerable adults, such as those with cognitive impairments and brain disorders.

The new law, Chapter 316 of 2016, will require police to submit reports of missing adults to the NCIC database when the adult has a proven disability, may be in physical danger, is missing after a catastrophe, may have disappeared involuntarily or is missing under circumstances where there is a reasonable concern for his or her safety.

“This is a tremendous victory for families across the state,” said State Sen. James Sanders (D-South Ozone Park), the bill’s prime sponsor. “Now when one of our loved ones goes missing, we will have the peace of mind that police will investigate.”

A former version of the bill passed both houses of the Legislature in 2015, but was vetoed by Cuomo over con-

Photo Courtesy of the LaMont Dottin Foundation

Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently signed the LaMont Dottin legislation into law.

cerns that it was framed too broadly to comply with the NCIC database.

Instead of seeking a change in federal law, as proposed by Cuomo at the time, Sanders’ counsel and legislative director, Mike Scala, pitched rewriting the legislation so that it mirrored the parameters of the database.

The updated bill was reintroduced earlier this year, eventually passing the Senate by a vote of 61-0 and the Assembly by a vote of 130-12.

14 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

The legislation is officially recognized as LaMont Dottin’s Law: Anita Fowler’s son, LaMont Dottin, was a freshman at Queens College when he disappeared on Oct. 18, 1995 after leaving his grandmother's house to mail a package to his mother, who was in California. Dr. Fowler returned immediately to New York and began searching for her son. She tried to report him as missing, but due to police regulations she was unable to file a re-

port until Nov. 13, 1995. Dr. Fowler searched for five years; she ultimately learned that her son’s body was found six days after she reported him as missing and lay unidentified in a grave at Potter’s Field since February 1996.

According to Sanders, the legislation seeks to prevent future confusion and heartache by requiring law enforcement to take a report whenever a person is reported missing and send such report to the NCIC Register.

This will create a permanent record of all reports of missing persons, and will assist law enforcement in searching for such persons if it is determined subsequent that such person is indeed missing. Further, in the event the missing person is located in either a hospital or a morgue, this register will assist in identifying the person and will reunite the missing person with his or her family or, if the person is deceased, it will help the family gain some semblance of closure.

“Families across the state can now be assured authorities will respond when loved ones disappear,” Scala added.

EDC to Site Citywide Ferry Service Landing in Gantry Plaza State Park

By Michael V. Cusenza The Citywide Ferry landing for Long Island City North will be located off of Center Boulevard in Gantry Plaza State Park, the City Economic Development Corporation announced this week.

The EDC has indicated that it is in coordination with the State Parks Department to site the LIC North ferry landing adjacent to “a densely populated residential core.” The LIC North ferry landing is projected to have the highest ridership outside of Manhattan, estimated to service approximately 4,000 daily riders.

“The Citywide Ferry is a much-needed service to address some of the transit shortfalls in Queens. The Long Island City landing spot will be a boon for residents and businesses of the fastest growing neighborhood in New York City,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “Our challenge in government has been to help ensure infrastructure keeps up with demand, and we’re pleased the project is on track to launch next year.”

The LIC North ferry landing, according to EDC, is part of the route which is scheduled to launch next summer.

“Citywide Ferry Service will provide increased transportation options for commuters in Western Queens—and the cost

Courtesy of NYCEDC

The LIC North ferry landing at Gantry Park is projected to have the highest ridership outside of Manhattan, estimated to service approximately 4,000 daily trips.

of a boat ride to Midtown or Wall Street will be the same as a trip on the subway,” said City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside). “All five boroughs will be better connected because of this new initiative. Long Island City is growing rapidly, and its residents need a variety of transportation options. I’m thrilled to announce this location and expand Citywide Ferry Service in our neighborhoods.”

EDC indicated that the current ferry

landing in Hunters Point South will continue to be part of East River Ferry operations until its integration into the larger Citywide Ferry Service network in 2017.

“Community Board 2 would like to thank the EDC as well as our elected officials for bringing the new ferry landing to Long Island City. This ferry landing is a welcome addition to our growing transportation needs and is an excellent alternative for residents and consumers that use our subway and bus lines,” said

Community Board 2 Chairwoman Denise Keehan-Smith. “We look forward to working with EDC in the future as they consider additional locations as our population continues to grow. Providing efficient transportation to and from the area is a critical need and we believe this addition is a step in the right direction.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in March that the seaborne service is on track for a 2017 start date. The Phase I Rockaway, Astoria, and south Brooklyn routes will be ready for the first 2017 voyages. When fully operational by 2018, the Citywide Ferry Service will carry an estimated 4.6 million trips per year across six routes.

The plan still is for the ferry to be pegged to the price of a MetroCard, and launch at $2.75 per trip. The project is expected to cost approximately $325 million. The City has said that it is investing $55 million in infrastructure upgrades, including building 10 new ferry landings and rehabilitating six others; and that it is also providing $30 million in operating support per year, over a period of six years. michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

Cross Bay Hardware

16254 Crossbay Blvd • Howard Beach, NY 114143443 (718) 848-5699 www.acehardware.com Store Hours: Mon-Fri 8-8, Sat 8-6, Sun 9-5

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 15

Bratton Rides off into City Sunset as O’Neill Era Begins at NYPD

Christ the King High School

An Independent Catholic High School Providing Quality Catholic Education Since1962

Join us at our

Open House Saturday, October 1st Tours from 10 AM to 1PM

Photos Courtesy of Michael Appleton and Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

Bill Bratton left the NYPD on his own terms the second time around.

Career cop James O’Neill beams as he is sworn in as the City’s 43rd Police commissioner.

By Michael V. Cusenza This past week marked the dawn of a new Blue day in the Big Apple as the 42nd police commissioner bade farewell to the Finest, and the 43rd police commissioner was sworn in as the city’s top cop.

Bill Bratton, a bona fide legend of law enforcement, retired following a 45-year career in public service – including two stints as New York City police commissioner under two (very) different mayors. He now embarks on a new opportunity in the private sector with the international consulting firm Teneo Holdings. Bratton will join the firm as senior managing director and executive chairman of Teneo Risk – a new division of the firm focused on advising clients on key risk identification, prevention, and response.

“Serving as police commissioner during your administration has been one of the great honors of my life, and as I tender this resignation I also tender my thanks,” Bratton wrote in his official resignation letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio. “In leading six different police departments across the country in the past 35 years, I have never been better resourced or more fully supported by any mayor. From equipment, to training, to technology, to policy, to the first substantive headcount expansion in more than a decade, you have stood by the NYPD and

made much of what we have accomplished possible.”

In the same thorough missive, Bratton acknowledged his successor at 1 Police Plaza.

“You have left all of these initiatives in the best possible hands by appointing Jim O’Neill as my successor,” he said. “I am confident that you will have as productive a collaboration with Jim as you have had with me.”

O’Neill had served previously as chief of department, the NYPD’s highest uniformed rank. By all accounts a cop’s cop, the Brooklyn native has been widely credited with developing the neighborhood-based policing model that aims to foster greater police and community interaction and collaboration.

O’Neill began his law-enforcement career in 1983 with the Transit Police, which was then an independent police department.

The married father of two sons has said that he credits his time on patrol on the trains and platforms of the subway system with helping him learn how to interact and communicate with a wide range of people, a skill he regards as essential to successful police work.

“With cops and community together, we will continue to be a city that bucks the negative crime trends prevalent elsewhere, a city that embraces its differences and its similarities, a city that keeps thriving, and a city that’s a model of success for the rest of America and for the world,” O’Neill wrote in a message to the men and women of the NYPD. “I am privileged and eager to move forward with all of you.”

O’Neill’s leadership team boasts some familiar faces, including new Chief of Department Carlos Gomez (former chief of patrol and commanding officer of the 106th Precinct.)

“As the highest ranking uniformed member of service, I’ll continue with our efforts to reduce crime, expand our counterterrorism efforts, support our officers, and improve community relations,” Gomez said on Tuesday at his swearing-in ceremony. “In the last two decades, we’ve seen a dramatic transformation in New York City…a transformation for the better.”

16 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

The advantages of a Christ the King Catholic education... 







     

Over $80 million in college scholarships offered over the past 5 years Thousands of college credits earned by students while in attendance at CK “On-the-spot” scholarships offered by Catholic universities visiting CK Over $4.5 million awarded in 4-year academic scholarships to incoming freshmen in the past 5 years Highly acclaimed Theatre Arts Program Top ranking Speech & Debate and Mathematics teams Microsoft Licensed IT program Nationally recognized sports program Campus Ministry and Community Service programs Full range of extracurricular activities Guaranteed Fixed Tuition Rate (guaranteed not to increase over 4 years)

CK Continuing Education Catholic School Loyalty Award ($2,000 over four years offered to students currently attending a Catholic grammar school/academy)

68-02 Metropolitan Avenue Middle Village, NY 11379 (718) 366-7400, EXT. #240 www.ctkny.org

Pols Promise Laws to Expand Anti-Discrimination Protections to Every NYC Business Owner

By Forum Staff

A review of anti-discrimination laws conducted by City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, City and State agencies are not expressly prohibited from discriminating against companies owned by minorities, women, or LGBTQ individuals as they bid on contracts.

In response, Stringer says he and City and State lawmakers are introducing new legislation to expand anti-discrimination protections to every business owner in New York.

Noting that the City's diversity is "one of our greatest strengths", Stringer says he'll make sure every New Yorker is protected from discriminatory practices. New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said. Current law forbids discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations, but says nothing about contracted work in the City or State.

The City has a $14 billion purchasing tab yearly, buying everything from paperclips to firetrucks, but reports show the City has failed to fully include Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) in the procurement process.

A paltry $725 million – just 5.3 percent of total procurement spending – went to M/ WBEs, in 2015, seriously hindering busi-

Photo Courtesy of City Comptroller’s Office

Stringer’s review of anti-discrimination laws revealed that City and State agencies are not expressly prohibited from discriminating against companies owned by minorities, women, or LGBTQ individuals as they bid on contracts.

ness owners’ ability to grow their companies, hire more New Yorkers, and drive the local economy.

The New York State Human Rights Law and New York City Human Rights Law are designed to protect minority, women, and LGBTQ New Yorkers from discriminatory business practices, but these laws do not apply to the government contract process.

Specific findings include: The New York State Human Rights Law section on unlawful discriminatory

practices references employment advertisements and applications, but is silent on whether its protections extend to government contracting.

Similarly, the New York City Human Rights Law addresses “employment, public accommodations and housing and other real estate,” but does not explicitly mention City procurement.

Comptroller Stringer, State Senator Hoylman, Assemblymember Bichotte, Council Members Torres and Cornegy,

and the City Council’s Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus made public that they will introduce legislation to amend both the State and City Human Rights Laws. The amendments will include sections prohibiting discrimination in government procurement, expanding protections to minority, women, and LGBTQ-owned businesses that bid on City and State contracts.

“These laws leave open a door to discrimination that should have been closed years ago, and we must bring them into the 21st Century,” Comptroller Stringer said.

“With City spending on M/WBEs stuck in low gear, we must send the message that New York is open for business with everyone. I thank this coalition for uniting around the cause of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.”

The legislation promises to address those identified as underrepresented in the awarding of more than 50,000 annual contract issued by New York State. In dollars and cents that the equivalent of being left out of a share in $240 billion of State spending.

Stringer has been credited by those he's collaborating with for discovering this loophole in New York’s Human Rights Law.

New Right-of-Way Law Extends Protections of Pedestrians in Crosswalks

By Michael V. Cusenza The City Council recently voted to approve legislation extending protections of pedestrians in crosswalks.

Introduction 997-A, sponsored by Public Advocate Letitia James, establishes the right of way for pedestrians while crossing the roadway during various pedestrian control signal phases. Other traffic would be required to yield the right of way to pedestrians when a steady walking person, flashing upraised hand, or flashing upraised hand with a countdown clock is displayed on a pedestrian control signal.

“Nearly every day, someone is injured or killed crossing our streets and it is past time Photo Courtesy of Flickr/Eric Fischer we update our laws to adequately protect pe- Introduction 997-A ensures that pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks during the entire display of a destrians,” she added. “This common-sense countdown clock or flashing hand.

legislation will ensure that countdown clocks accurately portray the time pedestrians have to cross our streets and will ensure that any reckless driver is held accountable for injuring someone crossing legally. Millions of New Yorkers cross our streets every day, and they should always feel safe doing so.”

The bill now helps prosecutors crack down on offenders of the Vision Zero Right of Way law, which, according to NYC Rules, “provides that if a driver’s vehicle causes contact with a pedestrian or bicyclist, and thereby causes physical injury, the driver shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $250, in addition to or as an alternative to the penalties that can be imposed for committing a misdemeanor as provided in the law.” michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

London Leader at LaGuardia London Mayor Sadiq Khan joined Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday for a forum at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City to discuss building inclusive cities.

Khan, 45, was elected in May, becoming London’s first Muslim mayor.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 17

To Forgive (Fines) is Divine: City Launches Amnesty Program

By Forum Staff Under a three-month amnesty program, New York City’s Department of Finance is forgiving penalties and interest on violations received by individuals and business owners.

Have mercy on us.

The cries of individuals and business owners suffering from what has been viewed as a city wide siege of fines from the Department of Sanitation, Department of Buildings and other City agencies. have finally been heard.

Beginning on September 12th, “Forgiving Fines: The New York City Amnesty Program, an initiative by Council Member Julissa Ferreras-Copeland and approved

by Mayor de Blasio in April, is open until Dec. 12, 2016, and covers violations left unpaid that are now in judgment.

Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ferreras-Copeland’s Office

The three-month initiative was proposed by Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland and approved by Mayor de Blasio in April.

A violation in judgment in NYC means that a public record of the liability due on a violation for the entire for the entire amount has been filed against the person or establishment

named in the action.

According to the NYC Dept. of Finance, 1.4 million violations have gone into judgment and the last time any penalty relief was offered was

back in 2009.

Businesses or individuals with violations in judgment that have been adjudicated by the Environmental Control Board may participate in the New York City Amnesty Program.

The Forgiving Fines initiative provides the following penalty relief: • Individuals and businesses with judgments containing hearing default penalties can have 100% of the penalties as well as interest forgiven.

• Those who have attended hearings and do not have default penalties only have to pay 75% of the base fine and will also have interest forgiven.

After the amnesty period, individuals and businesses will have to pay 100% of interest and penalties on top of their base fines.

The amnesty program covers vio-

lations that require corrective action and those that do not, including: • Illegal posting of handbill or notice • Snow, ice or dirt on sidewalk • Improper storage of receptacles • Improper or misused recycling containers • Improper disposal of trash of recyclables • Failure to comply with an order of the Commissioner • Failure to properly place recyclables for collection • Work without a permit • Failure to conduct required inspections and tests • Failure to submit affidavits, design/installation or other documents • Vending merchandise or food in a restricted area For more information and the most frequently asked questions, visit Forgiving Fines online.

NY Senators Note $430K in Fed Funds for NYPD Internet Crimes against Kids Task Force

By Forum Staff Internet predators will face closer scrutiny after a Department of Justice (DoJ) grant to the NYPD, which will funnel $430,440 in federal (DOJ) funding into the coffers of the New York Police Department (NYPD)’s New York City Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NYCICACTF).

Specifically, the funds will help the NYPD increase the number of affiliate agencies within the task force and better utilize the resources of the NYPD in peer-to-peer, child enticement, child prostitution and human

trafficking investigations.

The funding is targeted to expand the membership in both local and federal agencies and facilitate members receiving available resources and extending the strength of the task force’s jurisdiction across state and international borders. and their involvements within the task force, in order to receive their resources and extend the task force’s jurisdiction across state and international borders.

In addition, the offices of the five District Attorney’s across the state will now be utilized to enhance the coordination of the enforcement

NYPD will be further utilized, including the Vice Enforcement Division’s Sexual Exploitation of Children Squad, the Vice Major Case Squad and the Youth Services Section.

The integration of the Vice Major Cases Squad will enhance the task force’s ability to investigate peer-to-peer, child enticement, child Photo Courtesy of Troubled Teens prostitution, and human trafficking The funding has been allocated through investigations. Additionally, by using the DOJ Office of Juvenile Justice and the NYPD’s Youth Services, the task Delinquency Prevention. forces ability to spread its awareness and prosecution of crimes against and outreach programs to a larger children cases. audience within each community Other resources within the will be greatly increased.

The announcement of the grant came last week came from U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. “This federal funding will help the NYPD’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force better protect our children from being targeted online,” said Senator Schumer.

The National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program consists of State and local law enforcement task forces dedicated to developing effective responses to online enticement of children by sexual predators, child exploitation, child obscenity and pornography cases.

Meng Helps Middle Village Funeral Home Recoup Costs of Funerals for Indigent Veterans coup some of the funeral and burial expenses that he personally paid out U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flush- of pocket. All of his claims were deing) recently helped a borough fu- nied and placed under appeal.

Martino then reached out to neral home receive reimbursements from the federal government for Meng’s office. She intervened with providing no-cost funerals for indi- the VA, urging the agency to take gent veterans, according to Meng’s another look at Martino’s claims. As a result, all of them have been apoffice.

Since 2008, Anthony Martino, proved, Meng reported. Martino has owner and director of Hess-Miller received checks for 20 of the claims, Funeral Home in Middle Village, which total $12,040, with one more has provided funeral services free of still pending.

Photo Courtesy of Picssr/Emilio Guerra Martino spends $1,345 for each For several years, Hess-Miller Funeral Home has provided funeral services free of charge for charge for 150 destitute veterans who veteran’s funeral and is reimbursed indigent veterans who have no next of kin. have no next of kin.

Since June 2015, Martino submit- for approximately half. He provides ted 21 claims to the U.S. Department full military honors for each funeral, ican flag, as well as a coffin. He also red, white, and blue ribbons and of Veterans Affairs in an effort to re- including a color guard and an Amer- arranges for a local florist to donate flowers for each veteran.

18 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

By Forum Staff

Prior to 2015, Martino said he received some reimbursements from the City’s Department of Social Services; but added that since the City’s rules changed, he started submitting claims to the VA. “Anthony Martino has provided an honorable service to indigent veterans and we thank him for his thoughtful contributions,” said Meng. “I was troubled to learn that his efforts to receive reimbursements for some of the costs got stuck in the federal bureaucracy, but pleased that we were able to help arrange for his claims to be approved. I thank the VA for being responsive to my request for his generous efforts.”

Third Annual Loop Bike Ride Raises Funds for NYFAC and JDRF

Forum Photos by Michael V. Cusenza

Loop Organizer Ann Marie Gurino is joined by comrade peddlers Jodi Tucci and daughter Kristina.

By Michael V. Cusenza Loem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim.

Donec pede justo, fringilla vel, aliquet nec, vulputate (50) eget, arcu. In enim justo,

rhoncus ut, imperdiet a, venenatis vitae, justo. Nullam dictum felis eu pede mollis pretium. Integer tincidunt. Cras dapibus.

Vivamus elementum semper nisi. Aenean vulputate eleifend tellus. Aenean leo ligula, porttitor eu, consequat vitae, eleifend ac, enim. Aliquam lorem ante, dapibus in, viverra quis, feugiat (100)a, tellus.

Phasellus viverra nulla ut metus varius laoreet. Quisque rutrum. Aenean imperdiet.

Etiam ultricies nisi vel augue. Curabitur ul-

Philanthorpic cyclists at the halfway mark in Rockaway, led by JDRF champion, attorney Joe Mure (third from right).

lamcorper ultricies nisi. Nam eget dui. Etiam rhoncus. Maecenas tempus, tellus eget condimentum rhoncus, sem quam semper libero, sit amet adipiscing sem neque sed ipsum.

Nam quam nunc, blandit vel, luctus pulvinar, (150)hendrerit id, lorem. Maecenas nec odio et ante tincidunt tempus. Donec vitae sapien ut libero venenatis faucibus. Nullam quis ante. Etiam sit amet orci eget eros faucibus tincidunt. Duis leo. Sed fringilla mauris sit amet nibh. Donec sodales sagittis magna.

Sed consequat, leo eget bibendum sodales, augue velit cursus nunc,(200) quis gravida magna mi a libero. Fusce vulputate eleifend sapien.

Vestibulum purus quam, scelerisque ut, mollis sed, nonummy id, metus. Nullam accumsan lorem in dui. Cras ultricies mi eu turpis hendrerit fringilla. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; In ac dui quis mi

Finest Fare Bests Bravest at Battle of the Badges Cook-Off

By Alan Krawitz A member of New York City’s Finest finished in first place on Sunday, earning top civil-service chef honors at the second annual Battle of the Badges Cook-Off between the NYPD and FDNY at Resorts World Casino in South Ozone Park.

Detective Ed Behringer’s two dishes helped him take the top prize at this year’s competition: pistachio-crusted chicken breast stuffed with sausage and apples, grilled vegetable ratatouille, and roasted garlic mashed potatoes; the other dish was Behringer’s take on an old favorite: bacon cheeseburger egg roll with an Asian slaw.

“I enjoy making simple dishes with international influences,” said Behringer, a 15-year NYPD veteran with the Highway Patrol’s Collision Investigation Squad, a specialized unit which looks into motor vehicle collisions that involve fatalities or serious injuries.

“All my dishes are foods that my family and I enjoy eating.”

Asked about the rivalry between the two agencies, Behringer chalked it up to good fun.

“I believe the cook-off between the different city agencies is a great opportunity for us to come together and share a day of great food and friendly competition,” he said, noting that he loves to cook and has been at it since he was 18 years old. “It's a way to release

Chris McGuinness, of the 71st Precinct Detective Squad, finished in 3rd Place.

some stress and get together with people and share good food.”

Participants from the two first-responder agencies went grill-to-grill for bragging rights amid a day of fun, food, and festivities.

The cook-off also featured a South Queens community day that boasted everything from carnival games and face painting, to inflatable bounce-houses and a rock climbing wall.

Forum Photo by Alan Krawitz

city of New York,” Katz said. She also thanked all first responders for their work following the bombing in Chelsea on Saturday night.

Khalid Baylor, a firefighter with Ladder Co. 14, earned 2nd Place honors.

“It’s all right,” he said. “I’m happy to participate and be able to cook in the competition.”

Chris McGuinness, a detective with the 71st Precinct in Brooklyn, said he was thinking “outside the box” this year with his chicken and burger dishes, which cooked up the 3rd Place prize.

McGuinness, an 11-year veteran of the NYPD who admits that he “always wanted to be a cop,” served freshly prepped chicken, ginger and apple sausage made with apple and jicama style slaw. His second dish took dry-aged steaks ground with fresh spices, garlic, and sautéed portobello mushrooms topped with blue cheese crema on toasted brioche.

“I’ve made variations of these dishes before but never these exact dishes. I basically made the recipe up,” McGuinness said. “I’m always cooking for the guys I work with.

“We definitely don't have the time to cook like the Fire Department, who also gets paid to sleep and play video games,” he added with a hearty laugh.

Event host Ray Cooney, a retired FDNY firefighter and host of “Firehouse Kitchen” on PBS-NYCTV, which features firefighters and their favorite recipes, predicted “the winner will likely be a fireman,” adding that “firemen cook and cops sit in cars.”

Borough President Melinda Katz was also on-hand for the annual event.

“It’s a great day for the borough and the THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 19

The Mary Louis Academy is recognized and highly regarded as one of the nation’s preeminent college preparatory high schools for young women. Our reputation—for dedicated teachers, academic rigor, oustanding facilities, and committed students—has been maintained at a level of high esteem for more than 80 years. TMLA is a Catholic school sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, New York. The CSJ charism of unity, reconciliation and all-inclusive love is reflected in all aspects of The Mary Louis Academy experience.

Leadership Opportunities TMLA’s VOICE Leadership Program is aimed at helping each young woman at The Mary Louis Academy to find her voice. It is based on Vision Optimism Inspiration Confidence and Empowerment. With the incredible challenges facing girls and young women today, having a confident, educated, and empowered voice is the greatest asset a young woman can possess.

Academic Excellence TMLA offers Honors and Advanced Placement courses in every academic discipline. TMLA offers 17 Advanced Placement courses beginning in 9th grade. The TMLA Honors Program offers great flexibility and 65% of TMLA students are enrolled in at least one Honors level course.

Student achievement Our students are consistently among those recognized by The National Merit Scholarship Program, National Achievement Scholarship Program for Black Americans, and The National Hispanic Recognition Program. All students receive the New York State Regents Diploma with 80% receiving the New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation, New York State’s highest standard.

College Prep All of our graduates—yes, 100% —go on to college. Many are accepted into the most prestigious colleges and universities in the nation. The Class of 2016 received more than $43 million dollars in academic scholarships.

A full-time college counselor helps students chart their paths up to and after graduation.

Technology iPads are given to incoming classes. All students are encouraged to bring their own technology to campus. Two state-of-the-art Computer Labs are available and other computers are accessible to students throughout the campus. All classrooms and resource areas are equipped with SMARTBoard technology. Our Robotics program includes the use of the school’s own 3-D printing department. A Science Research program offers selected students the opportunity for in-depth study of their choice of an individual topic.

FIne arts TMLA offers a program in Fine Arts with a focus on Art or Music. Under the guidance of our highly skilled Arts faculty, students gain technical proficiency while attaining a high level of artistic achievement. Our multiaward-winning Art program includes Graphic Art & Design.

Extra-curricular activities From clubs that focus on culture to social issues and community service to artistic expression there’s an extracurricular place for everyone. With 29 competitive teams, our athletic program is the largest high school athletic program for girls in the City of NY. Our teams have won numerous state, city, and diocesan championships.

20 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

ST. FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE October 15th, 2016 12 Noon - 4:00 PM “High school is four years; the Prep is forever”

ST. FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL

6100 Francis Lewis Blvd. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (718) 423-8810 www.sfponline.org THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 21

Help Wanted .OFFICE HELP

WANTED

FULL TIME- PART TIME, DAY TIME- NIGHT TIME HOURS AVAILABLE. DUTIES INCLUDE: ANSWER PHONES, FILING, ALL CLERICAL WORK. FULL TIME INCLUDES : MEDICAL, DENTAL, 401 K, 2 WEEKS PAID VACATION. APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY- FRIDAY AT CALL-A-HEAD CORP. 304 CROSSBAY BLVD, BROAD CHANNEL QUEENS 11693

INSIDE SALES POSITIONS

Available at CALLAHEAD CORP.$36,000 base pay, medical and dental 100% covered, 401K, 2 wks paid vacation. Will train, no exp.necessary! Come work for NY's largest Portable Sanitation Company and make between $50K- $125K on the phone with our customers. Apply in person M-F from 2PM7PM at 304 Crossbay Blvd, Broad Channel Queens.

BOAT STORAGE WINTER BOAT STORAGE AVAILABLE IN PRIVATE LOT, WITH SECURITY CAMERAS, CALL 718-835-8599

Legal Notices

Notice of Qualification of SEEDS VENTURES & CONSULTING LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/15/16. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in California (CA) on 04/16/14. Princ. office of LLC: Neil Lott, 1010 University Ave., #113-287, San Diego, CA 92103. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 122072543. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 1500 11th St., Sacramento, CA 95814. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of WARUS RETAIL CONSULTING, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/28/16.

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 Trefz Corporation, 10 Middle St., Bridgeport, CT 06604. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of ALTRADE LLC, Art. of Org. filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 8/11/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ALLTRADE LLC, 39-26 218TH STREET, BAYSIDE, NY 11361. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Formation of Sun Square Towers, LLC, Art. of Org. filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 7/29/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to Jiashu Xu, 112-15 Northern Blvd., #2, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: any lawful activities.

44-33 NORTHERN PROPERTY, L.L.C. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/14/16. 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, 43-40 Northern Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

THE MAJESTIC APTS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/27/2015.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall Notice is hereby given that an on-premise mail process to: The LLC, 494 Seneca Avenue, license, #TBA has been applied for by Soran Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: Any Lawful Pub LLC d/b/a Bukowski’s to sell beer, wine Purpose. and liquor at retail in an on premises estabNotice of formation of Chik LLC. Ar- lishment. For on premises consumption unticles of Organization filed with the Secretary der the ABC law at 69-47 Grand Avenue Masof State of New York SSNY on May 27, 2016. peth NY 11378.

Office located in Queens. SSNY has been desJALANA SHEREESE, LCSW, PLLC, ignated for service of process. SSNY shall mail filed with the SSNY on 8/24/16. Office locacopy of any process served against the LLC tion: Queens County. SSNY is designated as 39-23 45th Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104. Pur- agent upon whom process against the PLLC pose: any lawful purpose. may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 5774 246TH CRESCENT, DOUGLASTON, NETWORC LLC Articles of Org. filed NY 11362. General purpose.

NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 8/1/2016. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall Notice of Formation of WILFRID EAST mail copy of process to 33-24 Northern Blvd., LIHTC LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of Long Island City, NY 11101, which is also State of NY (SSNY) on 7/13/16. Office location: the principal business location. Purpose: Any Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. lawful purpose.

call to advertise 718-845-3221

REAL ESTATE

Legal Notices

SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Mega Contracting Group LLC, 22-60 46th Street, Astoria, NY 11105.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

22 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

HOWARD BEACH

1 fam det colonial, 3 bedrms, bsmt , gar, 40x100 call now.

HOWARD BEACH

Ranch, corner, 3 bedrms, LD garage, den, cent SO air , full bsmt , new heat & HW call now.

HOWARD BEACH

3.5 rm, 2nd Fl.,Gdn coop 1 br, 1 bth, Pet friendly. Must sell! Call!

HOWARD BEACH

Garden Co-op 3 bedrms , 2nd fl, pets ok, move in condition , call now !

HOWARD BEACH

Just Listed 3.5 rm, 1 bedrm, 1 bath, hi-rise co-op mint move in ready, hardwood flrs, updated kit & bath, Call Now!

HOWARD BEACH

parking short list.

HOWARD BEACH

Hi rise co-op 1 bedrm, ALL REDONE. large terrace new kit and new bath call now,

HOWARD BEACH

Townhouse Condo 5 rms, 2 bedrms, 2 bths, Terrace, updated Kit, new boiler & cent air, call now!

HOWARD BEACH

UPDATED Detached Colonial,13 rms,, 5 bths, Fin Bsmt , det gar w/ pvt drive, solar panels,

Hi Rise CO-OP, 2 bedrms , 2 Bths, Terrace, cat ok,

Legal Notices PARKER LAW, PLLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/25/16.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to THE LLC, 37-31 73RD STREET, APT. 9J, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: General.

Vivi Consultant LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 7/14/16.

Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 43-40 Union St, #1A, Flushing, NY 11355. General Purposes.

1501 Emmons LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 8/25/16. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Yacov Benlevi, 193-07 85th Rd., Holliswood, NY 11423. General purpose.

JC PAYMENT, LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/15/16. 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, 148-14 60th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

TENNIS COURT APTS., LLC Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 6/22/16. Office location: Queens Co. LLC formed in Florida (FL) on 3/4/16. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC 19548 Planters Point Dr Boca Raton, FL 33434. FL address of LLC: 19548 Planters Point Dr Boca Raton, FL 33434. Arts. Of Org. filed with FL Secy. of State, P.O. Box 6327 Tallahassee, FL 32314.

Purpose: any lawful activity DAVID WOLPERT CONSULTING LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/26/16. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design.

Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 23-70 36th St Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of KUM & GO, L.C. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/19/16. “ L.L.C.” will be added to the name per Sec. 204 of NYS LLC Law. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Iowa (IA) on 11/10/97. Princ. office of LLC: 6400 Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines, IA 50266. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. Cert. of Form. filed with IA Secy. of State, 6400 Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines, IA 50266. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF QUEENS NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff – against – MARIA ROSARIO, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on December 20, 2013. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction, at court room #25 located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York on the 21st Day of October, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Fourth Ward of the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York.

Premises known as 95 30 92nd Street, Ozone Park, (City of New York) NY 11416.

(Block: 9031, Lot: 20) Approximate amount of lien $779,459.48 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 9656-2008. Eugene Crowe, Esq., Referee.

Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 28 East Main Street, Suite 1700 Rochester, NY 14614-1990 Tel. 585/760-8218 Dated: September 7, 2016

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 15 • Number 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016| 23

Sale Dates

Fri. Sept

Sat. Sept

Sun. Sept

Mon. Sept

Tues.

Sept

Wed. Sept

Thurs.

Sept

Fri. Sept

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

USDA Choice Beef Bone-In

Rib Steaks

6

$ 99

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR FORUM READERS ONLY!

$10.00 off with $100.00 PURCHASE LIMIT ONE OFFER PER HOUSEHOLD

Lb. family pack

With Club Card. Limit 1 Offer.

Entenmann’s Full Line Sale

LIMIT 1 OFFER PER HOUSEHOLD FORUM READERS MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON

10

With Club Card & Add’l $10 Purchase. Limit 2 Offers.

2

$ 99 5 LB Bag

Green Giant Idaho Baking Potatoes

Bounty Paper Towels

99

Lb. Sold By The Piece

$6.99 Normal Retail)

8 Giant Rolls White: Regular or Select A Size

$

5

$ 99

(Excludes: Single Serve & All Items Priced Over

Capatriti Olive Oil

9

Norwegian Jarlsberg® Cheese

5.5-26.5 Oz Box ... Assorted

68 Fl Oz Can 100% Pure

$ 99

Imported

$10.00 OFF WHEN YOU SPEND $100.00 EXPIRES 9/29/2016

ALL PRICES IN THIS FLYER VALID AT HOWARD BEACH KEY FOOD ONLY.

24 SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 • Number 38 VOL. 15 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

1

$ 99