THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | APRIL 27, 2017

VOL. 16 • NUMBER 17 • APRIL 27, 2017

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

South & West

FIRE CLAIMS FIVE YOUNG LIVES See Story on Page 3

Raging Blaze Kills Five People – ages 2, 10, 16, 17, and 20 – Trapped inside Smoke Detector-less Queens Village Home

Forum Photo by Richard York

Page 4

Firefighter Dies in the Line of Duty in Ridgewood

Page 8

City SBS Offering Risk & Preparedness Grants for SandyImpacted Small Businesses

Pages 11

De Blasio Administration Announces ‘3-K for All’ Plan

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 17 APRIL 27, 2017 | 1

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $25M+ in Fed Funding to Combat NY Opioid Epidemic

By Forum Staff United States Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand recently unveiled $25,260,676 in federal funding to New York to help combat opioid addiction.

According to the Empire State senators, the funding was allocated through the Department of Department of Health and Human Services’ State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grants. Specifically, the funding administered through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will support prevention, treatment, and recovery service programs.

Gillibrand noted that last year she also introduced the bipartisan legislation Preventing Overprescribing for Pain Act, which would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue guidelines for the safe prescribing of opioids for the treatment of acute pain.

“Too many lives have been destroyed, too many families have been torn apart, and too many communities all over New York are suffering because of this tragic epidemic,” Gillibrand said. “These federal funds would allow New York State to fight the opioid epidemic by investing in treatment and services programs. I will contin-

Schumer and Gillibrand made the announcement last Thursday.

ue working with my colleagues in the Senate to fight for the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers.”

Facts on the Opioid Epidemic: Nearly 2 million Americans abuse or are addicted to prescription opioids, and nearly half a million more are addicted to

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Schumer’s Office

heroin according to SAMHSA. In 2015, nearly more than 33,000 people died in the United States from overdose related to opioids, more than any year on record, according to CDC. The increase in opioid addiction is linked to an increase in opioid prescrip-

tions. Between 1999 and 2010, there was a 400-percent increase in sales of prescription opioid pain relievers in the U.S. Over the same time period, there has not been an increase in the amount of pain Americans report according to CDC. In 2012, health care providers wrote 259 million prescriptions for opioid pain relievers – enough for every American adult to have a bottle of pills according to CDC. Teenagers who receive an opioid prescription by 12th grade are 33 percent more likely to abuse opioids after high school.

The risk for opioid abuse is even higher among teenagers who report little to no previous use of illicit substances according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Of teenagers who abuse opioids, roughly half obtained the opioids from a friend of family member, according to research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

In a paper published by the American Dental Association in 2011, 64 percent of dentists surveyed preferred prescribing the opioid hydrocodone with acetaminophen for a third molar extraction, for an average of 20 pills per prescription.

4 in 5 individuals who use heroin report prior abuse of prescription opioids, according to SAMHSA.

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2 APRIL 27, 2017 • Number 17 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Queens Village Inferno Ends Five Young Lives No smoke detectors discovered inside doomed home

By Michael V. Cusenza A fast-moving fire on Sunday claimed the lives of five young people – including a 2-year-old and a 10-year-old – who were trapped inside a doomed Queens Village home with no smoke detectors.

The blaze broke out inside the home on 208th Street near 112th Avenue around 2:30 p.m. According to authorities, all five victims – Chayce Lipford, 2; Rashawn Matthews, 10; Jada Foxworth, 16; Melody Edwards, 17; and Destiny Dones, 20 – were already dead when firefighters removed them from the house.

“The firefighters ran in that house with all the smoke and flames,” a witness tole the New York Daily News. “They were doing what they were supposed to do and I thought to myself, ‘These guys are so brave to do this.’”

Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “This is a very, very sad day for people

The three-alarm blaze broke out in the two-family home on 208th Street around 2:30 p.m.

here in Queens Village. I’ve talked to some of the folks on the block just now – incredibly difficult moment for people on this block to see a family literally destroyed before their very eyes. This is a very, very painful day.”

As of Wednesday, no cause of the fire had been made public. All five funerals for the victims are

scheduled to take place on May 6.

“Five precious young lives are suddenly no longer with us, and their families and friends must now summon the courage to face this painful reality,” said City Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans). “As the details of this devastating event emerge, I encourage all of my constituents to, first and

Forum Photos by Richard York

foremost, hug your loved ones a little tighter today, and then have a frank conversation with them about fire safety procedures. My office will work with the Fire Department and the Red Cross to share educational information to everyone in our district through door to door outreach, email and social media communications, and an up-

coming community town hall.

“Lastly, I remain eternally grateful to our city’s emergency responders for their tireless efforts to keep our community safe. Their contributions literally mean the difference between life and death.

Residents should take every opportunity to show their appreciation to these exceptional men and

Community, Cops Tackle Panhandling at Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Meeting

By Michael V. Cusenza Panhandling continues to be a major issue in south Queens, and residents braved the inclement elements on Tuesday evening to attend the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic meeting to make sure the 106th Precinct brass are well aware of the problem.

According to civic President Joann Ariola, some area panhandling hotspots include in front of Matteo’s Restaurant on 155th Avenue and Cross Bay Boulevard, the “Welcome to Howard Beach” sign nearby, and the Stop and Shop parking lot off Cross Bay and 156th Avenue.

“The owners of Matteo’s are constantly outside, moving [beggars] along,” she said. “You see it at

Stop and Shop—we’re constantly harassed.”

Captain Mike Edmonds, the executive officer of the 106th Precinct, said that as long as the panhandlers don’t cross the line and get physical, his officers’ hands are tied, as far as the laws are concerned.

“If they’re not aggressively panhandling, there’s not much we can do,” Edmonds noted, adding that the beggars usually refuse aid from cops. “Going forward, we’re going to get social services out there to see if they can reason with {the panhandlers], because they don’t seem to want our help.”

Edmonds also pointed out that beginning this summer, when it is expected that the 106 will formally become a Neighborhood Policing

management for “being bad community partners.”

“We tell [Stop and Shop] all the time [about the aggressive panhandling], and they just say, ‘Oh, we leave them alone,” Ariola reported.

This isn’t the first time that the new supermarket has been cited for not listening to the community.

As Ariola noted on Tuesday, large groups of young people hang out in the Stop and Shop parking lot over night, and management hasn’t Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza done anything about it.

Longtime civic member and Lindenwood resident Ellen Buonpastore was honored on “We have to start banding toTuesday by the organization and elected officials, including City Councilman Eric Ulrich gether and only support businesses (r.) and Josh Hyman, a representative of Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, for her that support us,” Ariola said. “We service. Buonpastore is moving down to Kentucky this week to be with her family. don’t want to see businesses hurt, command, things will be different. just can’t have my people hanging but when they hurt the commu“There will be more cops on the out at the Conduit and Cross Bay.” nity, we have no choice but to call street,” he said. “But right now, I Ariola called out Stop and Shop them out.”

Allied Against Hate Elected officials joined members of the Sikh community on Friday to denounce an assault and robbery that taxi driver and Ozone Park resident Harkirat Singh sustained at the hands of one of his passengers in the Bronx on April 16th.

Singh said a drunken passenger punched him and stole his turban, a primary symbol of the Sikh faith. Borough President Melinda Katz, Assemblyman David

Weprin (D-Richmond Hill), and City Councilman Barry Grodenchik (D-Oakland Gardens) lamented that such acts of hate are occurring with more frequency and stressed that everyone must be vigilant in reporting such acts and in denouncing them fully.

Katz also expressed hope that Singh’s attacker, who is still at large, is brought to justice.

Photo Courtesy of the Queens Borough President’s Office

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 17 APRIL 27, 2017 | 3

Firefighter Dies Battling Blaze in Ridgewood

By Michael V. Cusenza A veteran City firefighter died while battling a blaze last Thursday in Ridgewood.

William Tolley, a member of Ladder Co. 135, was mortally wounded when he fell five stories to the sidewalk on Putnam Avenue after falling from the roof. The married father was rushed to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, but ultimately could not be saved.

Tolley, a 14-year member of the FDNY, was on the roof as the “outside vent man,” helping to knock down a seemingly routine two-alarm fire that broke out on the second floor.

The City is still investigating what caused Tolley to tumble to the street.

“Today our Borough and City mourn the loss of one of New York’s Bravest,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.

“Mr. Tolley died from injuries sustained

while doing the dangerous and heroic job of protecting New Yorkers. We deeply mourn Mr. Tolley’s sudden loss, and salute the courage he displayed and sacrifices he made not just today, but every single day throughout his 14 years of service to the people of the City of New York. Our prayers are with his family at this time, especially his wife, his young daughter, his brother and his parents. Our thoughts are also with the rest of his family, friends and the entire FDNY community.”

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) added, “I am heartbroken over the death of Firefighter William Tolley. As one of New York’s bravest, Firefighter Tolley constantly put his life on the line to protect our city, and died in the line of duty while keeping our community safe. We can never thank our first responders enough for the brave and courageous sacrifices they make each and every day, and this tragedy once again

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Fellow first responders saluted as Tolley’s body was carried out of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.

illustrates the dangers that they continu- fighter Tolley’s loved ones, his colleagues ously face. I ask all New Yorkers to join me at Ladder 135/Engine 286, and the entire in sending thoughts and prayers to Fire- FDNY.”

Ulrich Endorses Bo Dietl for Mayor

By Michael V. Cusenza City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) this week endorsed GOP mayoral hopeful Bo Dietl on the steps of City Hall.

“He’s a real New Yorker who’s not afraid to speak his mind,” Ulrich said on Monday, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Ulrich, one of three Republican City Councilmembers, is the first to endorse a mayoral candidate.

Ulrich mulled running against Mayor Bill de Blasio, but announced last month that he has decided, instead, to run for a third term representing the people of the 32nd Council District.

“It’s something that I’ve been considering for quite some time now, mulling it over these past few months with my family, my friends, and my supporters, and I’ve decided that this would not be the right move for me to make,” Ulrich announced on “The Road to City Hall” on Spectrum News New York 1.

“I think that despite what some of the polls may indicate, [Mayor] Bill de Blasio can ab-

Ulrich (r.) announced his support of Dietl on Monday on the steps of City Hall.

solutely be beat – but I’m not sure that I’m in a position to beat him this year.”

Dietl, 66, a borough native and decorated former City Police Department detective, on Monday said it bothers him when his outspo-

Photo Courtesy of the Dietl Campaign

ken nature garners him comparisons to President Donald Trump.

“I am not Donald Trump. And anyone that compares me, I really feel hurt in my heart,” he told the New York Daily News.

“I’m not another Donald Trump. I’m Bo Dietl. I’ve spilled my blood. I’m a grandfather here in New York. I’m not a billionaire.”

In March, Ulrich said that though the odds are steep, Hizzoner can be beaten. “[De Blasio] is his own worst enemy,” Ulrich added. “If you look at his lackluster performance, and his inability to bring people together in this city, I think he absolutely can be a one-term mayor.”

Dietl is playing the “everyman” card, and said he’ll fight for all New Yorkers.

“I’m sick and tired of the political corruption that has plagued our great city over the last few years,” he said. “I am not a politician, and not beholden to anyone or any special interests. As your mayor, the only people I would answer to are you, the people of New York City.”

According to Ulrich, the five boroughs can ill-afford more of the same.

“I don’t think the city can stand another four years of [de Blasio’s] incompetent leadership, his inattention to detail, and lack of innovation,” Ulrich said last month.

South Ozone Park Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Teen Girl for Two Years

By Forum Staff A South Ozone Park man has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking for forcing a now 19-year-old girl into prostitution beginning when she was 16 and with verbally and physically abusing her when she pleaded to stop trading sex for cash, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Shawn Hawkins, 24, pleaded guilty last Thursday to the crime of sex trafficking. The acting Queens Supreme Court justice has indicated that Hawkins will be sentenced to two to six years in prison on June 1.

In pleading guilty, Hawkins admitted that he took the then 16-year-old victim to

various borough locations between Aug. 14, 2014, and Feb. 2, 2017, where she was forced to have sexual intercourse and/or oral sex with men in exchange for money that she was required to turn over to Hawkins, who demanded that she call him “Daddy.”

Hawkins also took the victim’s identification away from her at times and held it to force her to engage in prostitution. The victim feared that if she didn’t continue prostituting herself that Hawkins would hurt or kill her, Brown said.

The district attorney also noted that Hawkins’ guilty plea is the 33rd sex-trafficking conviction obtained by his office since State legislation strengthening penal-

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ties against human trafficking and providing assistance to victims took effect on Nov. 1, 2007. Significantly, all of the defendants have been, or in Hawkins’ case will be, sentenced to serve state prison time, Brown noted.

“Prostitution is not a ‘victimless’ crime and now the defendant will be punished for this very degrading criminal act,” the DA added.

File Photo

According to DA Brown, Hawkins admitted that he took the then 16-year-old victim to various borough locations where she was forced to have sexual intercourse and/or oral sex with men in exchange for money that she was required to turn over to Hawkins.

Dance Music Dons are Local Heroes Local boy makes good.

Or, as in the case of Lodato & Joseph Duveen, local BOYS make good.

Howard Beach natives and electronic dance music artists Salvatore Lodato and Joseph Duveen recently flew down to South Beach and conquered at the 2017 Remix Awards – earning Remix of the YearProduction honors for their vision of Twenty One Pilots’ “Heathens.”

The remix also perched at the top U.S. and Canadian iHeart Radio charts.

“We were amongst some heavy weight names… we were just grateful to be alongside them and didn’t really have expectations,” Duveen said in a recent chat with C&F Magazine. “The event was dope and we were amped to be in the building.”

The Howard Beach boys were nominated for a whopping five awards for the event that took place during Miami Music Week. But Remix of the Year is just the latest in a string of successes for the dance music duo. Earlier this year, their smash-hit single “Older” skyrocketed to No. 1 on the influential Billboard Dance Club Songs chart—beating out such competition as Rihanna, DNCE, and Burno Mars, and winning the love of not just dance music fans, but DJs across the globe.

“We put our hearts and souls into ‘Older’ so it’s amazing to see the reaction to it, which is beyond our wildest dreams,” Duveen noted. “Expect more original songs from Lodato and myself. We have a common vision and really understand and work well together.”

“Older” made history by becoming the first song from an independent label, as well as being the first artist debut release to take the Billboard Dance #1 spot.

That independent label is Overdrive Productions, helmed by music impresario and, yup, you guessed it, Howard Beach native Jared Overeem. The boy who used to count 207 Park and the old Waterview Diner as favorite haunts now runs one of the

most successful labels and management companies in the music industry.

Check the highlights of the last year alone: • Overdrive Productions artists nominated for SIX 2017 Remix Awards • Lodato & Joseph Duveens - Original “Older” Went No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Charts Jan 2017 • “Older” hit over 1 Million Spotufy Streams • “Older” was the No. 1 added Dance/ Cross Over Chart - (DJ Times Charts) • No. 1 Remix in North America - Twenty One Pilots – “Heathens” • No. 1 on the Billdboard Dance Charts with Vassy – “Nothing to Lose” Remixes • Producer of the Year • Remix of the Year • Best Bootleg • Best Trap Remix • Best Down Temp Turned Up • Official Label Remix for Warner/Atlantic Records UK – Clean Bandit “Rockabye” – Lodato & Joseph Duveen ft. Sean Paul & Anne Marie “I firmly believe that if you go hard at something you want to do, you’re going to get it done,” Overeem told The Forum Newsgroup.

You can catch Lodato & Joseph Duveen on tour this summer. Clean Bandit has asked them to do another remix of their next song. And Look out for their new release “Breathe Again” available on Spotify, iTunes, and everywhere else that music is downloaded.

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see manager for details THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 17 APRIL 27, 2017 | 5

Man Sentenced for Shooting Outside Woodside Strip Club

By Forum Staff A 30-year-old Queens man was sentenced to 22 years in prison for the 2013 shooting death of another man outside a strip club in Woodside.

Dwayne Johnson, of 107th Avenue in Queens Village, pleaded guilty a year ago to first-degree manslaughter before Queens Supreme Court Justice Gregory L. Lasak, who sentenced him last week to 22 years and then 5 of post release supervision.

District Attorney Brown said, “The defendant has now been sentenced for the senseless killing of a 25-year-old man outside a nightclub in Queens. As a result of this brazen crime, the children of the victim will never see their father again. And the defendant - a father as well - will be locked away for long term of incarceration. Violence has no place in a civilized society.”

Court documentsfor the case show that, shortly after 4 a.m. on October 5, 2013, an NYPD sergeant was assisting with crowd control

outside of the Perfection Nightclub on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway service road in Woodside, Queens, and spotted Johnson point a firearm at Allah Howell. Johnson fired several shots, hitting the 25-yearold victim in the chest. Bullets pierced Mr. Howell’s lung and heart, killing him.

The defendant immediately fled the scene on foot with the police sergeant pursuing him. He was apprehended hiding in a nearby cemetery. A .38 caliber revolver -

with a mixture of the dePhoto Courtesy of Yelp/Lex T. fendant’s DNA on it - was An NYPD sergeant witnessed Johnson shoot and kill recovered behind a build- the victim outside Perfection nightclub on the Brooklyning the defendant passed Queens Expressway service road.

LIC Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Charge

By Forum Staff A 23-year-old Astoria man is awaiting a judge’s sentencing decision after his conviction last week of uploading a sexual performance by a child to his Google account last September.

Local police got a cyber tip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, that the defendant, identified as Charles Flores, had uploaded pornographic images of children about 7 months ago.

Authorities say Flores admitted that his curiosity had turned into an obsession for actively pursuing thousands of images and videos. DA Brown said Flores “downloaded and saved several thousand images and videos of children - some as young as five - being sexually abused by adults. These are not just pictures and videos. They are … crime scene Courtesy of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children photos of children being sexually abused.” Police received a cybertip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Flores had In referring to the victims in this case– the uploaded images of child pornography to his Google account in September 2016.

abused children– Brown said, “they are real people who will have to live with the abuse they suffered for the rest of their lives.”

Charges say that after tying Flores to the cyber tip report, he admitted to NYPD detectives that charlesf20@gmail.com was his address. A subsequent forensic preview of his hard drive revealed 20 images of prepubescent children roughly between the ages of five and 12 being vaginally and anally penetrated by adult males.

Flores told police he began seeking out child pornography to help his girlfriend and it escalated to an obsession. Further forensic analysis of the hard drive, as well as other electronic devices in the defendant’s possession, revealed hundreds of videos and images of children as young as four years old being sexually abused by adults.

Judge Gia Morris, indicated she will sentence Flores to one to three years in prison on June 12.

Woodside Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Beating Shopkeeper to Death

By Forum Staff A Woodside man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter charges in the beating death of a shop owner in March 2016, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Victor Mendoza, 22, pleaded guilty in March to first-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced last Thursday to 17 years in prison followed by five years’ post release supervision.

According to the charges, a drunk and belligerent Mendoza began verbally berating a friend and employee of the victim, 34-year-old Martin Quiej, who was smoking a cigarette outside of Quiej’s Roosevelt Avenue party store on March 5, 2016. When another friend of the employee asked what was going on, Mendoza became increasingly agitated and the friend retreated into the lobby of the apartment house in front of which he

was standing to protect himself. Mendoza tried to pull the door open but only succeeded in pulling the metal handle off the door. As Mendoza walked away, he passed Quiej’s party store while swinging the metal door handle at Quiej, who grabbed a metal tent pole to defend himself. The two men began to struggle and wound up on the street where Mendoza struck Quiej in the head with the metal handle, knocking him to the ground. Mendoza then struck Quiej a second time with the handle before dropping it and fleeing as police had been called were responding to the scene.

“The victim was a young hardworking, family man who had been born in Guatemala and came to this country to make a better life for his family and himself. Instead, his life was drastically cut short by the defendant who viciously assaulted him,” Brown said. “His wife is now struggling to keep his business going and raise their three children who don’t understand the whys of

6 APRIL 27, 2017 • Number 17 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

The victim owned Tauros Party Supplies in Woodside.

Photo Courtesy of Yellow Pages

what happened to their father. Hopefully, will be incarcerated for a lengthy period of they can find some solace in knowing that time as punishment for his heinous act and the man responsible for their father’s death to protect society.”

Pastor Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing 6-Year-Old Woodside Girl

By Forum Staff The husband of a Queens babysitter has been sentenced to seven years in state prison for sexually abusing a six-year-old girl in his wife’s care.

James Love, a 46-year-old minister from Woodside abused the girl over the span of about a year from June 2015, through June 2016.

“A jury listened to all the evidence and convicted the defendant of sexually abusing an innocent, little girl. The victim’s mother dropped off the youngster at a trusted babysitter’s home, said District Attorney Brown. “She had every expectation that her daughter would be cared for and protected, but instead the husband of the sitter took advantage of the girl’s proximity and repeatedly violated her for his own sexual gratification. The defendant will be incarcerated

to punish him for these acts as well as to protect others from his depraved impulses.”

Love was found guilty of first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child earlier this month. Justice Kenneth C. Holder, this week sentenced Love to seven years in prison to be followed by 10 years’ post release supervision. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

According to trial testimony, on numerous occasions between June 2015, and June 2016, when the child was just six years old, the church pastor touched the victim’s vagina through her clothes. The defendant - again through clothing - rubbed his penis against the girl’s vagina. The defendant tried to kiss the child and exposed his genitals and forced the victim to touch him Love was the pastor of New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Brooklyn. as well.

Photo Courtesy of Google

Pennsylvania Man Indicted for Violent Slashing Attack on Whitestone Teen Extradition from Pennsylvania has led to the arraignment of a man indicted by the Queens County grand jury last year for slashing a 16-year-old girl walking to school.

Devon Berkley, 38, of Allentown, who was extradited from Pennsylvania this week, was arraigned before Queens Supreme Court Justice Gregory L. Lasak on an indictment charging him with first- and second-degree assault, fourth-degree conspiracy, endangering the welfare of a child and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

A second individual, Wilson Lai, 25, of Oakland Gardens was arraigned last May and charged with first- and second-degree assault, fourth-degree conspiracy, endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, secondand third-degree rape, second- and thirddegree criminal sexual act, third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree aggravated mischief and second-degree harassment.

District Attorney Brown described the

Berkley slashed the victim twice on the left side of her face on 147th Street near 13 Avenue.

defendant’s actions as heinous pointing out both defendants were planning “to physically assault a teenage girl without warning or provocation, DA Brown said. “In what can only be described as a sick twist of fate, the victim slashed was actually a victim of mistaken identity.”

The DA’s office says Berkley and Lai

Photo Courtesy of Google

were targeting a 14-year-old girl who had sexual relationship with one of them. Instead they attacked another 14-year-old in a case of mistaken identity. “Now, for the rest of her life, the victim must bear the physical and emotional scars brought about by the defendants’ alleged mistaken actions,” DA Brown said.

According to the charges, Lai had a oneyear sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl that began in June 2013. More than two years later, Lai and Berkley conspired to assault the teen Lai had been involved with.

On December 16, 2015, Berkley mistook a Chinese exchange student- living at the same address and being the same age as the intended target- and surprised her as she walked toward school. Berkley slashed the victim repeatedly, leaving two long scars down the left side of her face.

It is believed that one month after the slashing attack that Lai acted in concert with two other co-conspirators on January 4, 2016, and damaged a vehicle belonging to the intended target’s family. The vehicle’s tires were allegedly punctured and other damage was inflicted on the body of the vehicle. During the incident, a note was left on the vehicle stating that the wrong girl was attacked and that the intended target was next.

If convicted, Lai faces up to 32 years in prison and Berkley will face 25.

Jamaica Man Sentenced to 22-Year Prison Term for Lounge Murder

By Forum Staff A 35-year-old Queens man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the June 2014 shooting death of an individual inside a club in Jamaica, Queens.

“The defendant has now been sentenced for the senseless shooting of a 37-year-old man in a Queens bar. Gun violence has no place in a civilized society,” DA Brown said.

“The defendant took a life and for that he will be incarcerated for a lengthy period of time.”

Fruitquana Hawkins, 35, of 173 Street in rd the Jamaica pleaded guilty last month

to first-degree manslaughter before Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth C. Holder, who sentenced the defendant to 22 years in prison to be followed by five years’ post release supervision.

Court records show that around 2 a.m. on June 14, 2014, the defendant was inside the Edge Lounge on Merrick Boulevard with a .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol.

He shot the victim, 37-year-old Timothy Tripp, multiple times in the head, shoulder, chest and abdomen. The pair got into a dispute when Hawkins grabbed a napkin from Tripp’s table. The victim, who owned a Photo Courtesy of Google clothing store and coached youth football, Hawkins shot and killed the victim inside the defunct Edge Lounge in Jamaica. died at the scene.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 17 APRIL 27, 2017 | 7

City SBS Offering Risk Assessment and Grant Program for Sandy-Impacted Small Businesses

By Michael V. Cusenza The City Department of Small Business Services is now offering a risk assessment and grant program for small businesses impacted by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012.

The Business Preparedness and Resiliency Program Risk Assessment and Grant Program helps small business owners impacted by Sandy prepare for emergencies. Participating businesses will receive a visit from a team of emergency planning and insurance experts who will review the business’ physical space, operations, and insurance coverage. The team will make recommendations to the business owner on how to reduce their risk of in the event of a disaster or disruption. Businesses that receive an assessment can get a grant of up to $3,000 to buy resiliency items such as moveable flood barriers, fireproof storage containers, and portable generators.

Business PREP has received $7.1 million through the Community Development Block Grant

File Photo

The City Department of Small Business Services encouraged entrepreneurs to visit nyc.gov/businessprep or call 311 for more information and to apply.

Disaster Recovery Program to provide resiliency services to small businesses in the city. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated $3 million directly to the City, and $4.1 million has been funded by the Governor’s Office of Storm Re-

covery NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program. The program offers business continuity workshops and webinars, on-site resiliency assessments and postassessment grants to small businesses impacted by Sandy, and online for resources business owners.

How do you know if you’re eli-

gible for an on-site risk assessment and preparedness grant?

• You are a for-profit, taxpaying, Small Business Administration-defined small business operating in NYC • Your business experienced loss, damage, and/or interruption as a result of Superstorm Sandy

through flooding or power outage • Your business is still located in the Sandy inundation (flood) or power outage zone • You, your business, all principal owners, and affiliate businesses cannot be barred from receiving federal funding • Your business has not already received a similar assessment or preparedness grant “It’s aimed to offer additional assistance to businesses. While it may not help all or even be needed by all of our businesses, it does offer an opportunity to address some needs and offers a way for business owners to get a free risk assessment which may help them plan for better resiliency,” Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton told The Forum.

According to SBS, the program is first-come, first-served within specific geographic boundaries.

The agency indicated that it will continue to process applications and distribute grants until the funding has been exhausted.

Visit nyc.gov/businessprep or call 311 for more information and to apply.

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8 APRIL 27, 2017 • Number 17 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 17 APRIL 27, 2017 | 9

NY Medical Marijuana Company Launches Home-Delivery Program

Courtesy of Vireo Health of New York

The home-delivery program launched last Friday morning.

By Forum Staff Vireo Health of New York, one of five companies licensed by the State to cultivate, manufacture, and dispense medical marijuana, announced on Friday that it has launched New York City and Long Island’s first-ever medical marijuana home-delivery program.

Beginning last Friday morning, medical marijuana home deliveries will be made to patients in Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau and parts of Suffolk County. The delivery zone will then expand into Westchester, The Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Over time, Vireo indicated that it hopes to cover other areas throughout the state, particularly in the Capital Region and Southern Tier.

“We’re excited to make history today with

New York City and Long Island’s first-ever stateapproved medical marijuana deliveries,” said Ari Hoffnung, CEO of Vireo Health of New York.

“New York’s medical marijuana program now includes a wide array of patients and our home delivery program is designed to not only serve those patients who are home-bound or have trouble visiting a dispensary but also those who will appreciate its convenience.”

According to Vireo, the medical marijuana “from our greenhouse to your front door” homedelivery program was designed by a team of security experts, pharmacists, and physicians to serve homebound patients with life-threatening and debilitating diseases, like cancer, ALS and chronic pain.

Additionally, as Vireo noted, numerous measures have been taken to ensure the safety of patients and the delivery staff. In accordance with State regulations that prohibit outsourcing in New York’s “seed-to-sale” medical marijuana industry, all deliveries will be handled exclusively by Vireo employees. The deliveries will be made by at least two staff members, and company-owned delivery vehicles are outfitted with cutting-edge safety features, including GPS tracking devices.

Qualifying patients can register for the home delivery program online at vireohealthny.com/ delivery and use coupon code REGONLINE to receive a $10 discount off their first online order.

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

Protecting Your Skin: The Scoop on Sun Block The anticipation of summer includes thoughts of relaxation, fun, sand and of course time spent in the sun.

It's very important however to realize that we all need to guard against the harmful effects of the sun.

Most experts seem to agree that pretty much everyone, including those who stay in doors for all but a few minutes (walking to car, etc), should use a daily sunscreen minimum 15 SPF. It's important that even those with minimal exposure protect their skin in order to avoid the harmful, sometimes deadly effects of the sun.

It takes a mere 20 minutes for skin to turn red with no protection. While application of sunscreen is advised for almost everyone, it is generally agreed that babies under 6 months should be protected with clothing as opposed to sunscreen.

The huge amount of product available on the open market can be confusing to the consumer, and a good place to start finding out what the right protection level is for your use is with your local pharmacist.

There are some common myths about sunscreen floating around out there and this week we'd like to point them out to you. #1. I'm not in the sun that much and I don't

need it--WRONG--IT'S NOT JUST FOR SUN WORSHIPPERS-it's for anyone with even minimal exposure. #2. The small amount in foundation makeup will likely not be enough to offer adequate protection. #3. All sunscreens are created equal...

NOT. You should look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB light. #4. A little sunscreen will get me through the day. The general principle is to reapply every two to four hours. #5. If I put it on my face, arms, leg, back, and neck -- I'm set. Nope--you'd have missed some key areas like your ears and the back of your neck. #6. Lotions, sprays, or stick sunscreens work differently. Truth is there are no real major differences; it's just a matter of personal choice.

And finally... #7. Last year's bottle is still OK--this is not the place to economize, If you still have it leftover, odds are you're not applying it correctly. If you'd like to measure to be pretty safely within protective guidelines . Check the expiration date on your sunscreen bottle!

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.

Veteran 102nd Precinct Community Affairs Officer Honored by South Richmond Hill Sikhs

By Forum Staff Veteran 102nd Precinct Community Affairs Officer Edwin Martinez was recently recognized by the GurDwara Sahib Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Sikh Center of South Richmond Hill for his contributions and service to the Sikh community, according to the City Police Department.

The NYPD noted that, as a Community Affairs officer, Martinez partners with neighborhood leaders, civic organizations, and religious institutions. Martinez said he strives to foster positive relationships with members of the community and embrace

pation of a recent holiday celebration at the temple, Martinez provided police barriers and no parking signs. Throughout the day, he went door-to-door informing members of the community about the event and providing traffic control. When Martinez entered the center to ensure the event was running smoothly, he was surprised to find out he was being recognized.

“I get to learn about so many different Photo Courtesy of NYPD cultures, religions, and ethnicities,” Martinez Martinez said he was surprised that he was being recognized by the Sikh center. said. “While it is great learning and interacting their customs. try to be as respectful as possible and observe with people from different cultures, it is even more rewarding knowing that I am helping all “When I enter the temple, I remove my their traditions.” boots and cover my head,” he added. “I always According to the department, in antici- members of my community.”

Celebrating the Gift of Life Queens Borough President Melinda Katz celebrated National Donate Life Month on Friday by presenting a proclamation to representatives of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and LiveOnNY, an organization that encourages New Yorkers to register as organ, tissue and eye donors with the New York State Donate Life Registry.

Katz noted that more than 120,000 people in the United States are currently in need of organ transplants, and their chances of finding suitable donors can be increased if more people registered to be organ donors.

10 APRIL 27, 2017 • Number 17 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

tal Medical Center are Dr. Alan Roth, chairman of Family Medicine and Ambulatory & Community Medicine at JHMC (l. to r.); Helen Irving, president & CEO of LiveOnNY; Jimmy Nolan, brother of organ donor Michael Nolan; Bruce Flanz, president & CEO of JHMC; Dr. Anthony DiMaria, organ recipient, and William Lynch, executive vice president and Chief Operating Officer of JHMC. Shown with Katz outside Jamaica Hospi-

Far Rockaway Pre-School Provider Investor Pleads Guilty in Theft of Special-Needs Education Funds

By Forum Staff A self-described investor in Island Child Development Center in Far Rockaway, once one of the City’s largest providers of special education services to preschoolers with disabilities, has pleaded guilty for his participation in a scheme that stole millions of dollars in City and State funding between 2005 and 2012 – money that was intended for special needs students between ages 3 and 5, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who made the announcement on Tuesday.

Daniel Laniado was arraigned on Monday and pleaded guilty to first-degree identity theft. Additionally, Brown said, Laniado will pay $82,000 in restitution to the City Department of Education at the time of sentencing, sign a confession of judgment for an additional $1,391,023.15 to DOE, forfeit nearly $8,000 in seized assets and complete a financial disclosure form prior to sentencing, which is scheduled for June 29, 2017. Laniado is expected to be sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge. However, if he fails to pay the $82,000 in restitution in full at sentencing, he will be sentenced to a year of incarceration.

Laniado and his three co-defendants – Rabbi Samuel Hiller, 59, of Far Rockaway, Ira Kurman, 54, of Hewlett, and Roy Hoffmann, 53, of Woodmere – were indicted on the alleged thefts in 2014. All were accused of illegally diverting millions of

Photo Courtesy of Google

The Island Child Development Center on Cornaga Avenue was once one of the City’s largest providers of special education services to preschoolers with disabilities.

dollars of the $27 million ICDC received in state funding to their relatives, their forprofit businesses and for personal expenses including jewelry, a family wedding and home renovations.

Rabbi Samuel Hiller had been ICDC’s former assistant director; Ira Kurman had been ICDC’s Executive Director; and Roy Hoffmann had been hired by ICDC to serve as its independent auditor as required by the State.

Hiller, Kurman and Hoffman all previously pleaded guilty to first-degree grand larceny for their roles in the scheme. The three defendants are presently awaiting

sentencing, which will include restitution.

Hiller has agreed to repay $5 million, Kurman will repay $650,000 and Hoffman will repay $180,000.

Hiller is also expected to be sentenced to one to three years in state prison. However, if he fails to honor all of the terms of the negotiated sentence, he will be immediately sentenced to two to six years in prison.

Brown pointed out that the State’s Education Law requires that the State Education Department meet the physical and educational needs of children with disabilities. Additionally, within the City of New York, the Department of Education

contracts with private service providers to deliver services for those who require them, including Special Education Itinerant Teachers who provide education services in children’s homes and other venues.

The thefts were discovered after the Office of Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli notified ICDC and specifically, Ira Kurman, that it planned to conduct a routine audit of SEIT funds provided to ICDC. When state auditors arrived for the meeting, in July 2012, they were informed that Kurman had left his position and had taken his books and records with him. After further investigation, the auditors referred the case to the Queens DA’s Office.

“Government money is not free money and those who treat such funds as their own personal piggy bank will be brought to justice and held accountable for their actions, as was the case of this defendant and his three co-defendants,” Brown said. “The public funds provided to Island Child Development Center were earmarked for special needs pre-schoolers with disabilities, making them the real victims of this fraud.”

DiNapoli added, “More than $1 million in funds intended for special needs preschoolers instead was used by Daniel Laniado to buy diamonds and stock his private supermarket shelves until our auditors and investigators exposed his crime. I thank District Attorney Brown for this fourth and final guilty plea in the multi-million dollar swindle of the Island Child Development Center.”

Mayor De Blasio Announces ‘3-K for All’ Early Childhood Education Plan

By Forum Staff Mayor Bill de Blasio on Monday announced 3-K for All – a plan to provide universal, free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for every 3-year-old child regardless of family income.

According to the administration, 3-K for All will build on the success of Pre-K for All – through which the City has more than tripled the number of 4-year-olds enrolled in free, full-day, high-quality Pre-K – and is part of a broader effort to create a continuum of high-quality early care and education programs for children of the five boroughs from birth to 5 years old.

“As a lifelong educator, I understand just how much and how fast our youngest children can learn – a level of learning that you can’t make up later on. In free, full-day, highquality 3-K, our students will build their vocabulary, a love of learning, and start to develop the social and behavioral habits they need to succeed in pre-K and kindergarten,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña.

“It’s an essential step in building Equity and Excellence for All across the five boroughs, and we are hitting the ground running with

three-year-olds currently enrolled in those will also strengthen existing programs serving children from six-weeks-old through 3 years old.

By fall of 2020, the City said it will expand free, full-day, high-quality 3-K to at least six additional school districts, for a total of eight districts. Each pair of districts will have a two-year expansion, with the last pair starting in fall of 2020 and having universal access in the fall of 2021. In order to achieve the vision of 3-K for All citywide, the City will need additional support from partners in the State and federal government, de Blasio noted.

“The research is clear – investment in early childhood education reaps benefits Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office for students, families and communities According to Mayor de Blasio, 3-K for All will build on the success of Pre-K for All initiative. for years to come,” the mayor added. “Usthe lessons that we’ve learned from the Pre- ville, Brooklyn. By fall of 2018, the City ing the successful model we developed for K for All expansion.” has pledged to have a seat for every 3-year- Pre-K for All, we are doubling down with De Blasio indicated on Monday that the old living in those districts that wants one, free, full-day, high-quality 3-K for All for City is starting the path to 3-K for All for and project we will serve 1,800 children in our 3-year-olds. This extra year of educafall of 2017, aiming to serve over 11,000 those two districts – triple the number en- tion will provide our children with a level of 3-year-olds in new seats. This includes the rolled today. At the same time, we will help academic and social development that they first year of a two-year expansion to create families enroll in existing seats for 3-year- cannot get later on, while at the same time, hundreds of new seats in District 7 in the olds in the city and provide additional sup- alleviating some of the strain New York South Bronx and District 23 in Browns- port and enhance quality for over 11,000 City’s working families face today.”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 17 APRIL 27, 2017 | 11

EDITORIAL

HOME OF THE BRAVEST Roughly 15 years ago, not long after our city was maimed by terrorists, a friend and I were watching footage of that horrific day, watching as a column of the City’s Bravest were trotting toward the Twin Towers while thousands of civilians were seeking shelter in the opposite direction.

“You’ve got to have something missing to do that job,” my friend said and gently tapped his right index finger against his right temple.

While I understood what he was saying – you have to be certifiable to run headstrong toward certain danger like that; no job is worth your life – I had to disagree.

And last Thursday and Sunday we were provided with examples of why.

I truly believe you have something extra inside you when you pursue the noble career of firefighting. As you’ve probably heard before, it is a calling, one which the candidates are swornin knowing that there is a chance that, when they’re on the job,

they will leave for work and not come home that night.

Last Thursday, Firefighter William Tolley did just that. He gave his life – and his roles as husband and father – to his city when he fell off a roof fighting a two-alarm fire in Ridgewood.

“Everyone is in a state of shock and grief,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “And, to his family,

we say we will stand with you not only today, but in the days ahead, and for years and years to come. This is what the FDNY does – stays by families through everything that comes ahead.”

And hundreds watched as firefighters on Sunday afternoon braved thick flames and smoke, nearly giving up everything to try to save the victims of a hor-

LEGALLY SPEAKING

rific fire in Queens Village.

“I remain eternally grateful to our city’s emergency responders for their tireless efforts to keep our community safe,” said City Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans). “Their contributions literally mean the difference between life and death.

Residents should take every opportunity to show their appre-

ciation to these exceptional men and women.”

Here-here.

And so, in deep appreciation for firefighters everywhere – but especially here in the greatest city in the world – we would like to ask our faithful readers to please say the Firefighter’s Prayer with us now: When I am called to duty, God, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late, or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout, quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling, to give the best in me, to guard my friend and neighbor, and protect his property.

And if according to Your will I must answer death's call, bless with your protecting hand, my family one and all.

Thank you, Bravest.

Catherine M. Stanton is a senior partner in the law firm of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP. She focuses on the area of Workers’ Compensation, having helped thousands of injured workers navigate a highly complex system and obtain all the benefits to which they were entitled. Ms. Stanton has been honored as a New York Super Lawyer, is the past president of the New York Workers’ Compensation Bar Association, the immediate past president of the Workers’ Injury Law and Advocacy Group, and is an officer in several organizations dedicated to injured workers and their families. She can be reached at 800.692.3717.

A couple of weeks ago Governor Cuo- of doing business in New York and that mo signed the New York State Budget that many injured workers are not deserving of contained some detrimental provisions the benefits they receive. for injured workers. Big business interMy colleague Len Jernigan from North ests have taken their victory laps as they Carolina issues an annual report of the top celebrate pulling the wool over the Gover- 10 Workers’ Compensation fraud cases. nor’s and others’ eyes in order to continue In 2016, those top 10 fraud claims were to dismantle the Workers’ Compensation against employers – not workers – and system by further reducing benefits. They totaled more than $400 million! Much of see this as some sort of competition or the fraud involved misclassification of emsporting event, rather than what it is – an ployees in order to circumvent payroll taxattack on the working class. es and Workers’ Compensation insurance.

If you believe that the majority of In fact, very few workers would voluntarithose on Workers’ Compensation are ly subject themselves to a system that has frauds, faking an injury, or taking advan- become so bloated by bureaucracy and is tage of taxpayers, than you are probably more concerned about precluding medicontent with the changes in the law. That cal treatment because a form is not filled also probably means you were swayed out correctly or penalizing counsel for beby the alternative facts that the Business ing too overzealous by submitting numerCouncil was promulgating, including the ous requests for their client’s day in court. proposition that Workers’ Compensation Injured workers do not have much benefits are to blame for the high cost political clout. They do not get rich off of 12 APRIL 27, 2017 • Number 17 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Workers’ Compensation benefits. Their weekly benefits can be reduced if they are considered partially disabled without regard to whether they are in the midst of active treatment, their socio economic status, or educational level. Many of them who were union workers now are no longer able to pay union dues; some cannot pay for medical insurance for themselves or their families as Workers’ Compensation insurance only covers the injured worker for the injuries sustained on the job.

Workers’ Memorial Day takes place annually on April 28. It is a day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job. Each year there are symposiums, panel discussions, acknowledgements, and speeches paying tribute to the men and women who have lost their lives at work. Many of our politicians will issue statements or attend rallies to stand in sol-

idarity with workers’ groups. We will hear how their deaths should not be in vain and how we must make our workplaces safer. We will be saddened to hear the list of names of those who went off to work never to return.

Many of the politicians giving these speeches are the same politicians who voted to reduce benefits to injured workers in order to appease big business interests. It is difficult to comprehend the hypocrisy involved, but we are told this is politics as usual. While it may be too late regarding the further limitation for lost wages, there is still an opportunity to let the Governor know that any further reduction for permanent injuries to limbs is just not acceptable. While honoring those who died on the job is imperative, properly compensating those who have suffered permanent injuries ensures that we value both the living and the dead.

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LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 10 day of March, bearing Index Number NC-0011229-16/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of STEPHAN RAMCHARAN. The city and state of my address are 120-65 132nd Street, South Ozone Park, New York,11420; the date of my birth is September 7, 1998; place of my birth is The Republic of Trinidad and Tobego; my present name is (first) ANAN(middle) STEPHAN (last) RAMCHARAN aka Anan Stephan, aka Anan S. Ramcharan

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 17 APRIL 27, 2017 | 13

Legal Notices Notice of Formation of SNOWY ROSY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/08/2016.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LLC 7025 YELLOWSTONE BLVD. #24N, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of limited liability company (LLC). Name: 8MDR OF QUEENS REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/19/2016. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LLC 158-13 72ND AVENUE, FLUSHING, NY 11365. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

YAK SIPPIN ENTERTAINMENT LLC App for Auth filed with SSNY on 12/28/16. Off Loc: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: DAMIEN HAYES, 176-09 129TH AVENUE, JAMICA, NY 11434.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

501 Seneca Qiu LLC. Filed 2/1/17. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 2032 Greene Ave Fl 3, Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: Genera Higher Education Access Path, LLC. Filed 12/9/16. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 24425 130th Ave, Rosedale, NY 11422. Purpose: General.

Geo 30 LLC. Filed 1/13/16. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: Andrew D. Greene, P.c., 3000 Marcus Ave Ste 1W11, New Hyde Park, NY 11042. Purpose: General.

Rhythmic Learning LLC. Filed 12/5/16.

Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 3458 32nd St Fl 2nd, Long Island City, NY 11106. Purpose: General.

32-55, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/02/12. Amended to 34-35 100 STREET, LLC on 04/11/12. 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, 522 Alicia Drive, Westbury, NY 11590. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of DAMO IN NY LLC. Arts. of Org., filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/09/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to JUNE NOH, 25 06 120TH STREET, FLUSHING, NY, 11354. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

SUKHAYU LLC App for Auth filed with SSNY on 2/24/17. Off Loc: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: SMITA KOSARE, 97-45 QUEENS BLVD 321205, Rego Park, NY, 11374. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

VILANOVA LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/7/17. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 28-42 37th St Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Legal Notices

ARTHUR GRIFFITH LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/8/17. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ARTHUR GRIFFITH LLC, 93-17 208 STREET, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11428.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company. Name: A&R TRANSPORTING, LLC. Art. of Org. were filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 03/17/17, Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, UNITED STATES CORPORATION AGENTS, INC. 7014 13TH AVENUE, SUITE 202, BROOKLYN, NY, 11228.Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of EMILY KLOPPENBURG STUDIO LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/09/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: Emily Kloppenburg, 4106 50th St., #6K, Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: any lawful activities.

52 ECO MO LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 01/03/17. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SLOWER COAST LLC, Arts. of Org. filed SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The with the SSNY on 02/06/2017. Office loc: Queens LLC, 132-51 41st Rd, Flushing, NY 11355. County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of LM Brooklyn Property LLC, Art. of Org. filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 10/1/15. 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 c/o Leonard Murgatroyd, 53-26 65th Pl., Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: any lawful activities.

ONE SIXTEEN O EIGHT, LLC. Art. of Org. were filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 02/22/17, Office location: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC: 116-08 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, NY, 11434 .Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of THE DOUGLASTON COMPANIES I LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/28/17.

Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: Douglaston Development, 42-09 235th St., 2nd Fl., Douglaston, NY 11363. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the addr. of its princ. office. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company. Name: EVA’S KITCHEN, LLC. Art. of Org. were filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 03/15/17, Office location: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 21-57 24TH STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11105.Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 101 REALTY HOLDING LLC Art. of Org. were filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 03/18/17, 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 101 REALTY HOLDING LLC, 83-03 101ST AVENUE, OZONE PARK, NY, 11416 .Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

6741 MYRTLE AVENUE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/16/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 53-91 66th Street, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

54

Notice of Formation of Layer New York, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/9/2017. Office location is Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Bo Liu, 107-12 90th Street, Ozone Park, NY 11417. Purpose: any lawful activity.

14 APRIL 27, 2017 • Number 17 VOL. 16 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 154 Beach 120th St, Rockaway Park, NY 11694. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF WHHUSA, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/10/2016. Office location: QUEENS County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process may be serviced and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 39-01 MAIN STREET, SUITE 203, FLUSHING, NY 11354. Principal business address: 39-01 MAIN STREET, SUITE 203, FLUSHING, NY 11354.

Purpose: any lawful act.

MERCURY HOME INSPECTIONS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/14/2017.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Hubco Registered Agent Services, Inc., 238 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station, NY 11746. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF POND VENTURE LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/08/16. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to EDWARD M. VARGA III, 23-58 33RD STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of LEVEL 101 Studios, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the SSNY on January 31, 2017. Office located in Queens.

SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 139-68 86th Avenue, Briarwood, NY 11435. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation: M & M Toledo, LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on February/2017.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to 36-36 Main Street Suite 1NA Flushing NY 11354 Purpose: Any lawful purpose or activity Jimmy Jazz Jamaica Ave LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/17/17. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 85 Metro Way, Rm. 1025, Secaucus, NJ 07094. General Purpose.

Notice of Formation of HOLAND DEVELOPMENT LLC Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/15/2017. Office location: Queens County. SSNY Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 4136 COLLEGE POINT BLVD, FLUSHING, NEW YORK,11355. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 14 day of April 2017, bearing Index Number NC-001197-16/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) MAHNOOR (middle) SHAHZAD (last) AHMED. The city and state of my address are 150-36 114th PLACE, SOUTH OZONE PARK, NEW YORK, 11420-3928. The date of my birth is JULY 3, 1995; place of my birth is PAKISTAN; my present name is (first) MAHNOOR (last) ASIF Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 14 day of April 2017, bearing Index Number NC-00119716/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of (first) DOOLARIE (last) ROOPLAL. The city and state of my address are 126-01 LINDEN BLVD, Ozone Park, NY 11420. The date of my birth is MAY 27, 1959; place of my birth is TRINIDAD; my present name is (first) DOOLARIE (last) CHETRUM aka DOOLARIE ROOPLAL aka DOOLARIE RAMCHARAN Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 3 day of April, bearing Index Number NC-000274-16/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of DANIELA CARLAN. The city and state of my address are 32-25 90TH STREET, APT #407, EAST ELMHURST, NY 11369-2306; the date of my birth is November 18, 1966; place of my birth is Romania; my present name is (first) DANIELA (last) COICEA aka DANIELA CARLAN Notice is hereby given that an order entered by the civil court, Queens county, on the 20 day of March, bearing Index Number NC-00117316/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11435, grants me the right to assume the name of SCOPHIA ELIZABETH FUENTES. The city and state of my address are 114-22 Lefferts Boulevard, South Ozone Park, 11420-2002; the date of my birth is January 21, 1992; place of my birth is Dominican Republic; my present name is (first) SCOPHIA(middle) ELIZABETH (last) TERRERO NUNEZ aka Scophia Elizabeth Terrero aka Scophia E. Terrero, aka Sophia E. Fuentes BLESSED QUEEN LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/03/2017. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: C/O Adejoke Babalola, 11546 Mexico Street, Saint Albans, NY 11412. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

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 Courtroom #25 located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York on the 17th Day of June, 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. 96562008. 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

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 16 • Number 17 APRIL 27, 2017 | 15

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