THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | FEBRUARY 4, 2021

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 5 • FEBRUARY 4, 2021

WHITE ROUT Nor’easter Covers Queens with 1.5 Feet of Snow

See Story on Page 2 Woodhaven man digs out his minivan early Tuesday morning.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 5 • FEBRUARY 4, 2021 | 1

Nor’easter Blasts Borough with More Than a Foot of Snow

By Michael V. Cusenza As snow pummeled the five boroughs Monday at a rate of 2 to 3 inches per hour, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared the city a disaster area.

According to the National Weather Service, the Hudson Valley appears to have received the most snowfall with 25 inches of snow being reported in some areas. Elsewhere snowfall rates ranged from 12 to 18 inches in New York City and on Long Island, with less than 12 inches in areas further upstate.

As response work continues, New York

is now tracking two other potential storms which may impact New York on Friday and Sunday. While forecasts are still being refined, the Friday storm is expected to produce winter weather throughout downstate New York, as well as parts of upstate.

The Sunday storm could be another, larger snow storm which may impact a larger portion of the state.

Cuomo this week warned that drifting and blowing snow from Monday’s storm will remain a concern due to gusty winds and light snow, which could produce slippery surfaces and reduced visibilities.

Forum Photos by Michael V. Cusenza

2 FEBRUARY 4, 2021 • Number 5 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

Ariola Set to Run for City Council

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Queens County GOP Chairwoman Joann Ariola

By Michael V. Cusenza Queens County Republican Party Chairwoman Joann Ariola has made it official: she’s running for the City Council District 32 seat.

Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) currently represents the interests of residents of District 32, which includes Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Broad Channel, Woodhaven, and the Rockaways; he’s set to be term-limited out of the seat he has held since 2009.

Professionally, Ariola is director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the MediSys Health Network. Off the clock, she is president of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic, and a member of both the 106th Precinct Community Council and Community Board 10.

Last year, Ariola ran for Queens Borough President on a platform of public safety/supporting law en-

forcement; putting an end to community jails and shelters; and reforming property tax laws.

“I’m a Queens resident, wife, mother, and grandmother who works in healthcare. I’m not a career politician,” Ariola said. “Like you, I’m deeply concerned about the future of our city and our borough. I will stand up to the radical career politicians and their pro-crime agenda. I will support the NYPD and keep dangerous criminal behind bars where they belong. I will fight for better transportation and roads as well as oppose toll increases and congestion pricing, because it’s already too hard for us to get to work. I will advocate for all our small business and help them recover.

I will fight for quality schools and choice in education. Queens is the most wonderful place and it’s worth fighting for. Our families deserve a safe, clean city.”

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 5 • FEBRUARY 4, 2021 | 3

South Queens Communities Added to ‘Vaccine for All’ Effort

By Michael V. Cusenza The Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity on Sunday announced the next phase of its Vaccine for All effort and released demographic information of vaccine recipients.

The City will now prioritize appointments for residents at vaccine sites in the 33 Taskforce-identified neighborhoods, which now include South Queens communities Woodhaven, Rockaway, Broad Channel, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park, setting aside specific hours and slots. These neighborhoods were added based on a range of factors including high COVID-19 mortality and case rates, high prevalence of chronic illness, presence of overcrowded housing, the number of individuals experiencing poverty, and other preexisting health disparities.

According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, equitable distribution of the vaccine has been the driving force of the City’s Vaccine for All effort. The majority of City vaccination sites are already located in the 33 Taskforce neighborhoods, as well as other, soon-to-open hubs, like Citi Field and Yankee Stadium. The City has also mounted an extensive outreach campaign, holding informational and educational events for residents, providers, partners, and elected

Photo Courtesy of Borough President Donovan Richards’s Office

“We understand that overcoming historical mistrust of scientific and medical institutions on the part of communities of color is not an easy goal to achieve, but the deep disparities revealed in the City’s COVID-19 vaccination database are not just unacceptable—they are potentially fatal,” said Borough President Richards.

officials in Task Force neighborhoods and other areas across the city. With the assistance of community partners, the City has distributed tens of thousands of pieces of literature to spread the word of a safe and effective vaccine to residents in priority neighborhoods and held training events so community partners can support navigation of vaccination services. The City also pledged will also continue to hold regular community conversations to address vaccine hesitancy and elevate community feedback on vaccination rollout and access.

“We launched our vaccine effort with a clear commitment to provide a vaccine for all New Yorkers,” de Blasio said. “Now we are going even further to ensure the vaccine reaches everyone, equally, with a focus on the neighborhoods we know have borne the brunt of COVID-19.”

For eligible essential workers in the Taskforce neighborhoods, the City will create “family plans”—allowing the workers to schedule appointments for eligible family members on-site. To improve accessibility, the City’s appointment scheduling site will

now be available in a total of 11 languages, including English, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.

“We understand that overcoming historical mistrust of scientific and medical institutions on the part of communities of color is not an easy goal to achieve, but the deep disparities revealed in the City’s COVID-19 vaccination database are not just unacceptable—they are potentially fatal. To guarantee an equitable recovery and rebuild from this pandemic for our historically underserved communities, it is imperative that we involve each and every trusted community-based organization in a truly all-hands-on-deck vaccination effort. That includes community vaccination hubs in neighborhoods of color hardest hit by COVID-19, tireless multilingual grassroots outreach campaigns, and so much more,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “Lives are on the line and we must ensure we do everything humanly possible to address these disparities and find solutions. Every Queens resident, from our elected leaders and public health officials to each of us in our capacity as loved ones, friends and neighbors, have a critical role to play in saving lives and building our borough back better than ever.”

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Man Charged with Threatening Jeffries, Journalist

By Michael V. Cusenza A California man has been arrested for allegedly sending threatening text messages on Jan. 6 to family members of U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Queens and Brooklyn) and a city-based family member of a journalist, federal prosecutors recently announced.

Robert Lemke, 35, was arrested last week based on a criminal complaint filed in Manhattan federal court charging him with making threatening interstate communications.

According to the complaint, on Jan. 6, the same day that individuals purporting to protest the 2020 presidential election gathered in Washington, D.C. and stormed the Capitol Building, Lemke sent threatening text messages to one of Jeffries’s brother, citing the congressman’s statements about the results of the election. Lemke’s text messages, which included a picture of a home in the same neighborhood as the home of Jeffries’s brother, stated: “Your brother is putting your entire family at risk with his lies and other words. We are armed and nearby your house. You had better have a word with him. We are not far from his either. Already spoke to [the congressman’s son] and know where his kids are. . . . your words have consequences. Stop telling lies; Biden did not win, he will not be president. We are not white supremacists.

Most of us are active/retired law enforcement or military. You are putting your family at risk. We have armed members near your home . . . . . Don’t risk their safety with your words and lies.”

Also on Jan. 6, 2021, Lemke allegedly sent threatening text messages to Jeffries’s sister-in-law, stating: “calm your husband down . . . . We saw on the hidden camera, he was quite stirred up. You need to have him talk to [the congressman].”

In addition, also on Jan. 6, Lemke allegedly sent threatening text messages to a relative of the journalist, stating: “[The journalist’s] words are putting you and your family at risk. We are nearby armed and

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Congress

U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries

ready. Thousands of us are active/retired law enforcement, military, etc. That’s how we do it.”

Prosecutors also pointed out that Lemke’s Facebook account has as its background image a photograph of Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who were charged with criminal offenses last summer after they pointed firearms at Black Lives Matter demonstrators near their home in St. Louis, Missouri. On Nov. 7, 2020, Lemke posted to Facebook: “Folks. Be ready for war. Trump has refused to cede. Evidence shows fraud occurred and the Supreme Court cases will be successful. We blockchained and watermarked ballots in 16 states. Trump will prevail. Spread this message. . . . FAITH my fellow Republicans. Do not give up. Keep an eye out for a variety of protests, and Stop The Steal Facebook groups for updates.”

“The electoral process is the essential mechanism through which our democracy functions,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss. “While in any election it is inevitable that some will be disappointed in the result, threats of violence cannot and will not be tolerated.”

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

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

THE ABC’S OF WUHAN CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW We thought it might be interesting to run a column that we ran a little less than one year ago. In all we have learned about the virus causing this pandemic, it is very telling to see that some things have not changed.

While we may not be as close as we would like to bringing this situation to a close, we should take note that preventing exposure is the biggest step we can take in stopping the spread and the advisements on doing so are still the same. Please wash your hands and wear a mask.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus in China and its spread to other parts of the world is a topic of conversation that incorporates fear, a desire for knowledge about the virus and how we can best attempt prevention. We would like to share with you some basics on what it is, how it spreads and what you can do to utilize defense mechanisms.

The Wuhan coronavirus is one in a line of troubling viruses that basically arise from animals. Many Chinese nationals initially infected either worked or frequently shopped in the Hunan seafood wholesale market in the centre of the Chinese city, which also sells live and newly slaughtered animals. Other familiar coronaviruses include Ebola, flu , Sars and Mers. This virus causes pneumonia. Symptoms include coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases there can be organ failure. The pneumonia is viral and so antibiotics are not effective against it. As of this Wednesday, there are 45,182 confirmed cases and 1,115 deaths and people with the virus could be far higher, because people with mild symptoms may not have been detected. Because the Wuhan virus is so new, there are many things that remain unknown.

The exact mortality rate of the disease isn’t known due to unreported cases. Ex-

perts estimate the rate of death caused

by Wuhan coronavirus to be around 2%.

Comparative numbers for the flu are 1% and for Sars around 10%. Another critical unknown factor is just how contagious the disease is. Because of the newness of the virus and that there is no vaccine against it, elderly people and those with comprised immune systems are especially vulnerable. Similar viruses tend to spread from droplets that we release into the air when we cough and sneeze. These droplets can be inhaled or picked up on our hands. When we touch our face we can then become infected. Droplets that land on seats on buses or trains or desks in school can live on these surfaces for different lengths of time ranging from hours to months, and can also spread the virus. Following are some measures you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones: WASH YOUR HANDS - lather up with soap, get between your fingers and under your nails and wash for 20 seconds or more.

COVER YOUR MOUTH WHEN COUGHING OR SNEEZING FACE MASKS BLOCK LIQUID DROPLETS - be mindful that they do not protect against aerosol particles tat pass through and they leave your eyes exposed Seek early medical help if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and report travel history AVOID DIRECT CONTACT WITH LIVE ANIMALS - We hope that we have helped you to become familiar with a basic outline of Wuhan coronavirus and invite you to read more about the virus on websites from national health organizations, where you will find dependable and accurate information Until next week…

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 5 • FEBRUARY 4, 2021 | 5

State Reported Data Undercounted COVID-19 Deaths at Nursing Homes: AG Probe

Photo Courtesy of AG James’s Office

New York Attorney General Tish James

By Michael V. Cusenza A larger number of nursing home residents died from COVID-19 than the State Department of Health’s published nursing home data reflected, and may have been undercounted by as much as 50 percent, according to an eye-opening report on State Attorney General Tish James’s investigations into such facilities’ responses to the pandemic released Thursday.

James noted that since March her office has been investigating nursing homes throughout the state based on allegations of patient neglect and other concerning conduct that may have jeopardized the health and safety of residents and employees.

The report includes preliminary findings based on data obtained in investigations conducted to date, recommendations that are based on those findings, related findings in pre-pandemic investigations of nursing homes, and other available data and analysis.

The Office of the Attorney General found: A larger number of nursing home residents died from COVID-19 than DOH data reflected; Lack of compliance with infection control protocols put residents at increased risk of harm; Nursing homes that entered the pandemic with low U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Staffing ratings had higher COVID-19 fatality rates; Insufficient personal protective equipment for nursing home staff put residents at increased risk of harm; Insufficient COVID-19 testing for residents and staff in the early stages of the pandemic put residents at increased risk of harm;

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Coughlin/Office of the Governor

New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, M.D.

The current state reimbursement model for nursing homes gives a financial incentive to owners of for-profit nursing homes to transfer funds to related parties (ultimately increasing their own profit) instead of investing in higher levels of staffing and PPE; Lack of nursing home compliance with the executive order requiring communication with family members caused avoidable pain and distress; and Government guidance requiring the admission of COVID-19 patients into nursing homes may have put residents at increased risk of harm in some facilities and may have obscured the data available to assess that risk.

Based on these findings and subsequent investigation, James indicated that her office is conducting ongoing investigations into more than 20 nursing homes whose reported conduct during the first wave of the pandemic presented particular concern.

“As the pandemic and our investigations continue, it is imperative that we understand why the residents of nursing homes in New York unnecessarily suffered at such an alarming rate,” James said. “While we cannot bring back the individuals we lost to this crisis, this report seeks to offer transparency that the public deserves and to spur increased action to protect our most vulnerable residents. Nursing homes residents and workers deserve to live and work in safe environments, and I will continue to work hard to safeguard this basic right during this precarious time.”

State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, M.D., responded Thursday.

“The New York State Office of the Attorney General report is clear that there was no undercount of the total death toll from

6 FEBRUARY 4, 2021 • Number 5 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

this once-in-a-century pandemic. The OAG affirms that the total number of deaths in hospitals and nursing homes is full and accurate. New York State Department of Health has always publicly reported the number of fatalities within hospitals irrespective of the residence of the patient, and separately reported the number of fatalities within nursing home facilities and has been clear about the nature of that reporting. Indeed, the OAG acknowledges in a footnote on page 71 that DOH was always clear that the data on its website pertains to in-facility fatalities and does not include deaths outside of a facility. The word ‘undercount’ implies there are more total fatalities than have been reported; this is factually wrong.

In fact, the OAG report itself repudiates the suggestion that there was any ‘undercount’ of the total death number,” Zucker said.

“The OAG’s report is only referring to the count of people who were in nursing homes but transferred to hospitals and later died.

The OAG suggests that all should be counted as nursing home deaths and not hospital deaths even though they died in hospitals.

That does not in any way change the total count of deaths but is instead a question of allocating the number of deaths between hospitals and nursing homes. DOH has consistently made clear that our numbers are reported based on the place of death.

DOH does not disagree that the number of people transferred from a nursing home to a hospital is an important data point, and is in the midst of auditing this data from nursing homes. As the OAG report states, reporting from nursing homes is inconsistent and often inaccurate. The attorney general’s initial findings of wrongdoing by certain nursing home operators are reprehensible and this

is exactly why we asked the attorney general to undertake this investigation in the first place. To that end, DOH continues to follow up on all allegations of misconduct by operators and is actively working in partnership with the OAG to enforce the law accordingly.

“Ultimately, the OAG’s report demonstrates that the recurring problems in nursing homes and by facility operators resulted from a complete abdication by the Trump administration of its duty to manage this pandemic,” Zucker continued. “With no uniform processes or reporting mechanisms, every state reported data in different ways. And data requests from federal CMS, HHS and CDC at various points in the pandemic muddied the reporting across the board. There is no satisfaction in pointing out inaccuracies; every death to this terrible disease is tragic, and New York was hit hardest and earliest of any state as a direct result of the federal government’s negligence. There is still an ongoing crisis that is being actively managed and investigated and we will review the remainder of the recommendations as we continue to fight with every resource and asset to protect all New Yorkers from the scourge of COVID. “All of this confirms that many nursing home operators made grave mistakes and were not adequately prepared for this pandemic, and that reforms are needed, which is why we proposed radical reforms to oversight of nursing home facilities in this year’s State Budget. We will do everything in our power to enact those reforms this year. This is still an ongoing crisis and we will continue deploying every resource possible to ensuring the health and safety of every single New Yorker.”

NY COVID Rate Has Declined For 23 Straight Days

Photo Courtesy of Don Pollard/Office of the Governor

“As data on infection rates and hospitalizations continue to improve, we must begin taking steps to jumpstart our economic recovery as long as public health can be protected,� Gov. Cuomo said.

By Michael V. Cusenza New York State’s seven-day average COVID-19 positivity rate has declined for 23 straight days, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday. “On COVID, the post-holiday surge reduction continues. That is an awkward phrase, but I don’t have a better one. We had a post-holiday surge. The surge has reduced and the reduction of the surge continues. The positivity rate is down to 4.4. The state’s positivity rate has declined for 23 straight days, which is a significant trend; 138 New Yorkers passed away; hospitalization is 7,976. That’s down 200, but please remember the New Yorkers who passed away in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank the essential workers and hospital workers who went through another surge after a very, very long year,� Cuomo said. “Positivity seven-day average: Long Island, number one: 6.3. Mid-Hudson, number two: 6.1. North Country, 5.8. That’s a different place for the North Country.

New York City: 5.2. Western New York: 5.1. That’s a different place for Western New York. Capital Region: 5. Mohawk Valley: 4.6. Finger Lakes: 3.9, 3.9 Finger Lakes. That’s a different position for the Finger Lakes, but that’s a good, better position. 3.1 Central New York. 2.1. Southern Tier. Southern Tier, congratulations. They had that spike, they got it, they turned around. Looks like the Finger Lakes even understands what they’re dealing with now. Positivity by borough: Bronx is highest, 6.8, in New York City. Queens 5.6, Brooklyn 5.5, Staten Island 4.9. Looks like Staten Island understands what they’re dealing

with. That’s a turnaround for Staten Island.

Denial is not a life strategy. Manhattan’s still 3.4. Manhattan has been the lowest for significant period of time in New York City, which when we get the time and we go back and we study the cultural and demographic overlays of how this virus spread, it’s going to be interesting. My next life, when I come back as a research scientist.�

On Friday, Cuomo announced that indoor dining in New York City can reopen at 25 percent capacity on Valentine’s Day. The governor also announced that marriage receptions will be able to resume in accordance with state guidance on March 15. Events must be approved by the local health department. There will be a 50 percent capacity limit and no more than 150 people can attend the event. All patrons must be tested prior to the event. “As data on infection rates and hospitalizations continue to improve, we must begin taking steps to jumpstart our economic recovery as long as public health can be protected,� Cuomo said. “The restaurant industry is the lifeblood of New York City and the economic hardship they have endured at the hands of COVID is nothing short of tragic. Thankfully, if our current trajectory holds, we will be able to reopen New York City dining at 25 percent capacity on Valentine’s Day. This doesn’t only give us more time to stamp out the virus even further, but also gives restaurants ample notice to begin preparing for a reopening.

This is a great development, but we cannot become complacent now - we must all continue to do our part to keep beating back COVID so we can continue re-opening our economy and get back to normal.�

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 5 • FEBRUARY 4, 2021 | 9

In State of City, Mayor Plans to Revitalize Small Businesses shops keep their doors open and recover.

New York City will provide low-interest loans of up to $100,000 to over 2,000 small businesses in the communities hit hardest

by COVID-19 to drive the recovery.

Small businesses will be able to apply for loans from a $100 million fund built from City funds that leverage outside lenders. The loans will go to small businesses that have experienced hardship due to the pandemic and have submitted a recovery plan to rebuild their business and bring NYC back.

By Michael V. Cusenza

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday announced an ambitious COVID recovery plan as part of his 2021 State of the City address, focusing especially on revitalizing small businesses across the five boroughs.

While Wall Street made record profits this year, countless small businesses had to close their doors or downsize—or are hanging on for dear life. The City has made the Open Restaurants program permanent and opened up outdoor opportunity to small retail businesses with the Open Cut Fines and Red Tape Storefronts program. And with more New to Boost New Small Businesses Yorkers getting vaccinated, there is more Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office The Open Restaurants program saved that can be done to directly support small [W]ith more New Yorkers getting vaccinated, there is more that can be done to directly support small businesses, 100,000 jobs during the height of the panbusinesses, de Blasio said.

Mayor de Blasio said Thursday during the 2021 State of the City address. demic by quickly cutting red tape and NYC Small Business Businesses in these sectors with ies. The City would look to expand the pro- embracing entrepreneurial creativity, de Recovery Tax Credit gross revenue below $1 million will be gram to additional small businesses and Blasio boasted. Working with agencies The City will provide direct support to eligible for a tax credit equal to 6 per- increase the value of the credit to incentiv- across the government, the Departsmall businesses to boost the recovery and cent of their calendar year 2021 rent, up ize hiring more New Yorkers, saving and ment of Small Business Services will cut first time fines to small businesses, exput New Yorkers back to work, the mayor to maximum credit of $10,000. Businesses creating over 10,000 jobs. pand the number of self-certify permits pledged. The NYC Small Business Recov- will need to retain their current workforce and inspection applications, establish noery Tax Credit will be a $50 million rental to be eligible, driving job retention in our NYC Small Business fine visits from regulators, and produce assistance program for up to 17,000 small neighborhoods.

Recovery Loans businesses in the arts, entertainment, recIn addition to expanding the Recov- plain language compliance guides in mulThe new tax credit program will rereation, food services, and accommodation quire State legislation, and the City will ery Tax Credit with stimulus funds, New tiple languages. Thousands of new jobs will sectors that have experienced hardships expand it if Washington provides a ro- York City will also establish the NYC Small be created by making it easier to do busidue to the COVID-19 pandemic. bust stimulus with direct local aid for cit- Business Recovery Loan program to help ness in New York City, the mayor promised.

Pols Call on City and State to Expand Holocaust Education, Hate Crime Awareness in Schools

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Rozic’s Office Photo Courtesy of Comptroller Stringer’s Office

“The egregious display of anti-Semitism during the attack on our nation’s Capitol and uptick in hate crimes around our city are a wake-up call that we must re-commit to educating our young people on the dangers of prejudice and bigotry,” Comptroller Stringer said.

By Forum Staff City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Flushing) on Thursday called on the State and City to expand Holocaust education and hate crime awareness and prevention in middle and high schools to combat discrimination and religious intolerance.

Stringer and Rozic proposed: The State Education Department and the City Department of Education to survey all middle and high schools’ compliance with teaching Holocaust education in grades 8, 10, and 11, as called for in Rozic’s legislation,

Assembly Bill A472, which she introduced a year ago.

Outreach and additional resources for schools concerning course work, instruction, and curriculum related to the Holocaust.

Teacher training to better equip educators to effectively teach about the Holocaust, hate, and discrimination.

Increased news literacy for all students to help them identify misinformation, including dangerous misinformation about the Holocaust.

“The egregious display of anti-Semitism during the attack on our nation’s Capitol and uptick in hate crimes around our city

10 FEBRUARY 4, 2021 • Number 5 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

“When study after study delineate embarrassing ignorance and misinformation about the Holocaust, we need to rectify the issue at the source—educational requirements,” Assemblywoman Rozic said.

are a wake-up call that we must re-commit to educating our young people on the dangers of prejudice and bigotry,” Stringer said. “Schools are an important gateway for teaching civic values, and it is our duty to develop citizens who will stand up against discrimination and promote inclusion and acceptance. It starts in the classroom. That’s why the City should provide more outreach, resources, and training to make sure schools are equipped to effectively teach about the Holocaust, bias, and hate crimes.

We cannot delay any longer to improve Holocaust education in our schools – our current students, future generations, and our

society depends on it.”

Rozic added, “As we experience historic levels of anti-Semitism in New York and around the country, Never Again needs to be a call to action and not merely a platitude offered on Holocaust Remembrance Day. When study after study delineate embarrassing ignorance and misinformation about the Holocaust, we need to rectify the issue at the source—educational requirements. Ensuring that the Holocaust is properly taught in schools coupled with education on recognizing anti-Semitism and other hate crimes is a crucial first step in stopping dangerous conspiracy theories.”

Fewer NYC Children in Foster Care: Report

By Forum Staff The City Administration for Children’s Services has continued to reduce the number of children in foster care and their length of stay in foster care; and a greater proportion of youth in foster care are placed with relatives or other close connections, the agency noted on Friday as it touted the release of a new report.

The just-released “Fiscal Year 2020 Foster Care Blueprint Progress Report” summarizes the agency’s work and the progress made. Key highlights include: Fewer children in foster care: The number of city children in foster care at the end of FY 2020 reached a historic low of 7,800, which is a 6-percent decrease from FY 2019.

Reduced length of stay in foster care: The number of children in foster care for two years or more has continued to decrease, dropping by 3 percent from FY 2019 to FY 2020, and by 25% from FY 2017 to FY 2020.

More children in foster care live with relatives/friends than ever before: Research shows that children fare best with kin (rela-

ACS Commissioner David Hansell

tives, close family friends, or other people who are already in a child’s life). ACS and its foster care agency partners have increased the proportion of children in foster care placed with kin from 31 percent in FY 2017 to 42 percent in FY 2020, and this increase has continued even during the pandemic.

Increased services for older

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

youth: In FY 2020, ACS launched the Fair Futures initiative through a public-private partnership with a group of committed foundations, the Fair Futures Coalition and the Fair Futures Youth Advisory Board. Fair Futures provides youth in foster care with dedicated coaches that provide social and emotional support to build life skills and set academic and career

goals. Thousands of young people ages 11-21 are receiving tutoring, coaching, college assistance, internship and employment assistance, and other resources to help improve educational and employment outcomes.

COVID-19 support and resources: Given the nature of child welfare work, ACS and foster care provider agencies never shut

down during the pandemic. In the context of the Family Court’s limited operations, ACS and its contracted foster care agencies launched intensive reviews of the cases of children with the goal of reunification to identify cases that could safely move forward. These efforts contributed to a significant increase in the number of children reunified with their parents during the pandemic. We implemented virtual internship programs so that young people in foster care could continue to develop their skills to prepare them for employment. We partnered with New Yorkers for Children to establish the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, raising and dispersing more than $1.5 million to address children and families urgent needs during the pandemic.

“This progress report shows that our Foster Care Strategic Blueprint strategies are working and producing positive results: New York City continues to set the national bar in reducing the number of children in foster care and implementing focused strategies to improve outcomes for youth,” said ACS Commissioner David Hansell.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 5 • FEBRUARY 4, 2021 | 11

at FAMILIES, it’s not business...it’s personal.

12 FEBRUARY 4, 2021 • Number 5 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

HELP WANTED INSIDE SALES POSITION

AVAILABLE AT CALLAHEAD CORP.

SEEKING FEMALE AND MALE ALIKE. $36,000.00 BASE PAY, MEDICALAND DENTAL 100% COVERED, 401K, 2 WEEKS PAID VACATION. WILL TRAIN, NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. COME WORK FOR NY’S LARGEST PORTABLE SANITATION COMPANY AND MAKE BETWEEN: $50,000.00 AND $125,000.00 BY BEING ON THE PHONE WITH OUR CUSTOMERS. APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY - FRIDAY BETWEEN 2:00PM AND 7:00PM AT 304 CROSSBAY BLVD., 304 CROSSBAY BLVD., QUEENS, NY 11693 NO PHONE CALLS

HANDYMAN WANTED

MUST HAVE CLEAN DRIVER’S LICENSE. MUST BE ABLE TO DO LIGHT PLUMBING AND CARPENTRY. 4-DAY WORK WEEK. $700 PER WEEK. 100% MEDICAL & DENTAL, 401K, UNIFORMS, PAID VACATIONS, SICK AND HOLIDAYS. APPLY IN PERSON: MONDAY-FRIDAY BETWEEN 9 AM & 7 PM AT: CALL-A-HEAD CORP. 304 CROSSBAY BLVD., QUEENS, NY 11693 NO PHONE CALLS

REAL ESTATE APTS FOR RENT HOWARD BEACH/OLD SIDE Modern 1 Bedroom Apt for rent includes parking & laundry$1600 2 bedroom Apt- First floor- Use of yard. Kitchen, Living room with dining room combo,2 bedrooms, full bath, parking available, tenant pays electricity $1800 3 Bedroom apt first floor, EIK, living room, dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, heat, hot water & cooking gas included, parking included $2500

SEEKING DATA ENTRY FULL TIME

MUST BE DETAIL ORIENTED, HAVE COMPUTER SKILLS, RESPONSIBLE, AND READY TO LEARN NEW SKILLS. CALLAHEAD OFFERS: PAID VACATION, HOLIDAYS, 401K, AND HEALTH AND DENTAL BENEFI TS. PLEASE APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM AT 304 CROSSBAY BLVD., QUEENS, NY 11693 NO PHONE CALLS

Call Carolyn-Keller Williams Liberty 917-208-9176 HOWARD BEACH Store For Rent Cross Bay Blvd frontage with parking 1040 sq ft of walk in space. Call Now !

OZONE PARK detached Colonial Just Listed ,7 rms, 3 bedrms, open porch , formal dining rm, huge bsmt, hardwood floors , eat in kit, bonus room, and 2 car det garage call now !

HOWARD BEACH

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED

ROUTES AVAILABLE AT CALLAHEAD CORP.

NO CDL REQUIRED, 4 DAY WORK WEEK, (ENJOY 3 DAYS OFF). RUN YOUR OWN ROUTE. YEAR ROUND NO LAY OFFS! 100 % MEDICAL, DENTAL, UNIFORMS, 2 WEEKS PAID VACATION.401K. PLUS COMMISSION. WILL TRAIN! 4AM-2:30PM. SWING DRIVER $1000.00 PER WEEK INCLUDES $100.00 WEEKLY BONUS PROGRAM. ROUTE DRIVER$900.00 PER WEEK, INCLUDES$100.00 WEEKLY BONUS PROGRAM. PLUS 10-12 HOURS OVERTIME. APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY- FRIDAY AT 304 CROSSBAY BLVD, QUEENS NEW YORK 11693 NO PHONE CALLS

5 rm, MINT, 2 bedrm, Hi-Rise co-op, 2 new baths , Jacuzzi, Manhattan skyline view, hardwood floors, hi hats , lots of closets call now !

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MERRICK detached Colonial , 1 fam, 10 rms, 5 bedrms, 3 bths, 50x100 lot, eat in kit with granite tops, hardwood floors, pool mint cond , lots of extra room for extended fam , fin bsmt , call now !

Garden Co-Op, Spacious and bright 1st floor corner, 4 rms, 1 bedrm, sunny and bright unit, Q41 bus to NYC, walk to park & shopping center ,

HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK

Garden Co-op, 1st fl, 3 bedrms, formal dining rm, hardwood flrs , pet friendly, asking 245K call now !

Brookfield Hi Ranch ALL REDONE. 9rms, 4 bedrms , 2.5 bths, stainless appliances, 50x91 lot, gar & pvt dr, mint cond, Call Now !

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 5 • FEBRUARY 4, 2021 | 13

Legal Notices YIELDWINK, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/11/2020. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: JASDEEP KHERA, 3001 81st Street, East Elmhurst, ny 11370. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

6

AUTHENTICALLY ASHLIE, LLCArticles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/07/20.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to ASHLIE BOURNE, 117-31 195TH STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

8

219-21 JAMAICA AVE. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/09/20. 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, 25104 86th Avenue, Bellerose, NY 11426. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6

HARRA LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/30/20. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to JAMIYU YUSUF, 15-22 202ND STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412-2837. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

8

TLC KINGS OF QUEENS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/30/2020. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Christopher Saldana, 122-14 Sutphin Blvd, Queens, NY 11434. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

6 Notice of formation of FOREST HILLS ASC, LLC, a domestic LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/21/2020. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served and the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: Forest Hills ASC, LLC, 111-29 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, New York 11375. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 7 H2A INVEST LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/31/20. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the H2A INVEST LLC, 3418 NORTHERN BLVD, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101.

Purpose: General.

7 KALIMKOSELLA GROUP LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/30/20.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to BUSINESS FILINGS INCORPORATED, 187 WOLF ROAD, SUITE 101 ALBANY, NY 12205 . Purpose: Any lawful activity.

7 RICH ROCKS, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/5/21. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC 9118 79TH St Woodhaven, NY 11421. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

7 ZUC-CO. PITT LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/30/2020. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: Peter Zuccarello, 14829 Cross Island Pkwy, Whitestone, NY 11357.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

7 RGM ENTERPRISES LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/30/20.

Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to RGM ENTERPRISES LLC, 9704 PITKIN AVE, OZONE PARK, NY 11417. Purpose: General.

7

MAISONLUXBEAUTE LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/15/20. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to MAISONLUXBEAUTE LLC, 83-43 118TH ST, KEW GARDENS, NY 11415.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

8 NEWMAN MOTION PRODUCTION, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 01/07/21. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design.

Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to: JNEWMAN MOTION PRODUCTION, LLC, 118-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., 398010, JAMAICA, NY 11434.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

8 Notice of Formation of ALLEGRE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 1/15/21. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Metropolitan Property Services, Inc., 141-50 85th Rd., Briarwood, NY 11435, principal business address. Purpose: all lawful purposes.

9 DOUBLE DIMA CAPITAL, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/24/20.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: dmitry choklin, 27-28 THOMSON AVENUE, APT 353, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

9

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14 FEBRUARY 4, 2021 • Number 5 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP â&#x20AC;¢ VOL. 21 â&#x20AC;¢ Number 5 â&#x20AC;¢ FEBRUARY 4, 2021 | 15

We gladly accept phone orders!

718-835-4900

Sale Dates

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

Mon.

Tues

Wed

Thurs.

JAN

JAN

JAN

FAB

FAB

FAB

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05 06 07 08 09 10 11

We ask you to please remember that for everyone’s safety, masks must be worn at all times while in the store. Thank you. Stay safe!

Boneless Chicken Breast

1

$ 99

Red Plum Tomatoes

Boar's Head Mini Domestic Rice Balls Provolone Cheese 8 pk

.95

$ 99

¢

Per LB

Per LB

Bone-in Rib Steaks

Store Prepared Veggie Platter

Family Pack

Feeds 6-8 people

7

$ 99

$ 99 Per LB

9

Hass Avocados

Boar's Head Genoa Salami

.55

$ 99

¢ each

7

Per LB

16 FEBRUARY 4, 2021 • Number 5 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

7

Per LB

Homemade Style Chicken Wings or Chicken Tenders

6

$ 99 Per LB

Homemade Style Mozzarella Sticks

6

4

$ 99

$ 99 Per LB

Potato Croquettes 6 pk

4

$ 99 Boar's Head American Cheese

4

$ 99 Per LB